Re: [MEDIA] The SunTimes death penalty poll

Brian D Williams (talon57@well.com)
Thu, 17 Dec 1998 07:49:20 -0800 (PST)

From: Josh Glasstetter <jag36@cornell.edu>

>I just recently read a stat in newsweek stating something to the
>effect that of all the people who have ever been on death row, 1
>out of every 8 has been exonerated and removed from death row,
>some only hours before their proposed execution. from the
>standpoint of society at large, what good does executing people
>do, especially when running the risk of killing innocent people?

The death penalty is not to be applied lightly. We have acknowledged that as currently used it has many weaknesses.

The system needs to be revamped. In cases where there is insufficient proof, it should not be used. All existing cases should be reviewed and if possible, DNA screening should be used.

But even in your own posting, this left 7 out of 8.....

Seconal, Pavulon, KCL.

Brian
Member, Extropy Institute
www.extropy.org