A prisoner here in Georgia named Troy Davis was just executed last night, while there was still ongoing debate about his guilt. Although his trial took place several years ago, some witnesses have recently recanted their testimony. Right up until the end, this prisoner was declaring his innocence. Sadly, it’s a distinct possibility that an innocent man could have been put to death.
That situation definitely makes me question the death policy.
Capital punishment and its “eye for an eye” mentality does seem antiquated and barbaric. To me, capital punishment is like an extreme form of hitting a child as punishment for hitting someone else. You're killing someone for killing someone else. It sends the wrong message and just makes no sense.
On the other hand, I don’t know how I’d feel about capital punishment if I actually had a family member brutally murdered. And I know that it costs a lot of money to keep a person in prison for life, let alone contributing to the problem of prison overcrowding. So that doesn’t seem to be the ideal option, either.
Also, is the possibility of capital punishment a better deterrent than life in prison? Or vice versa?
I admire people who form a firm opinion and speak up on issues like this. I really do. As for me, I’m as wishy-washy as they come.
Also, is the possibility of capital punishment a better deterrent than life in prison? Or vice versa?
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