Connecticut Rules Death Penalty Is Unconstitutional. How Do You Feel About The Death Penalty?

2015-08-13T15:59:56-04:00

The Connecticut Supreme Court on Thursday ruled the state's death penalty is unconstitutional. The deeply divided court's 4-3 ruling will affect the 11 inmates currently on the state's death row.

Lawmakers repealed the state's death penalty in 2012, but stipulated it only applied to future crimes. Plaintiffs in Thursday's case had argued the 2012 ban should also extend to prisoners already on death row.

The Supreme Court agreed to take up the law's prospective issue when it granted a request by Eduardo Santiago, whose death sentence was overturned two months after the repeal took effect. (Connecticut Department of Corrections)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/08/13/death-penalty-connecticut_n_7983488.html

Death Penalty In Connecticut Ruled Unconstitutional

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 13 at 2015 4:03 PM

2015-08-13T16:03:57-04:00

The death penalty is appropriate for the most serious crimes.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 13 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-08-13T16:10:55-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I believe in it 100%, now we just need to get rid of the red tape that goes along with it!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Aug 13 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-08-13T16:20:15-04:00

I'm personally against the death penalty unless for serious crimes, and even then, most of the time the suspect I believe is mentally ill. I think they must be proven beyond reasonable doubt that they are beyond help.
Now I'm not a Constitutional lawyer, but some may chime in on this. But I believe IX Amendment States the right to LIFE, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 4:28 PM

2015-08-13T16:28:26-04:00

You take a life (and not in self defense), then I believe you forfeit yours.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Aug 13 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-08-13T17:10:37-04:00

The fact that the death penalty exits in some states indicates that community standards are a driving factor. If it was longer desired, it could be eliminated through redress by states legislators. In some states where it is desired, it exists. In some cases where it is desired, it is repealed by judicial review. No law is iron-clad so its up to law makes to produce laws that are relevant and legally dependable. I, for one, believe that it should be on the books for heinous crimes and used sparingly without countless appeals and rely on "iron clad" DNA.

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Aug 13 at 2015 5:26 PM

2015-08-13T17:26:39-04:00

Seems to me if you purposely and maliciously murder people out or pure evil desire, you cannot be trusted to be free to kill again and again at your every opportunity just because you like to, and since you were caught, seems you should either work for your upkeep or be executed because we shouldn't have to pay for your upkeep, and you should be held accountable to pay repreation to the survivors for what you took then be executed.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Aug 13 at 2015 6:39 PM

2015-08-13T18:39:27-04:00

Before I start a firestorm, let me say this: The Death Penalty... I get it. However, the Death Penalty does not serve as a deterrent. Otherwise, people would stop doing things to qualify for its consideration. Codex Hammurabi served the Babylonians for slightly over 50-years... Why a First-World nation would embrace its sentiments are... well... beyond me. On the Death Penalty, I would have to put my emotions aside in effort to follow my moral compass. To this, I stand in support of the Connecticut Supreme Court: I'm OK with a convict given the opportunity of a lifetime to reflect on their missteps.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 13 at 2015 7:03 PM

2015-08-13T19:03:04-04:00

Without getting too much into it, I'll just say that there are some people in this world who deserve to die, and this world would be a better place for it...

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 12:01 AM

2015-08-14T00:01:56-04:00

I am personally against the death penalty.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 12:09 AM

2015-08-14T00:09:27-04:00

If there was a national executioner position, I would apply for the job. But I would not release any lever, drop any pellet, or fire any weapon until I had read the case file, and concluded that the jury was unequivocally right in its decision. Then I would properly perform my duty. These Death Row scum are evil personified, men and women who have done unimaginably horrible things to innocent people. I have absolutely zero issue ending their existence. So, I reckon my answer is that I support Capital Punishment. Truth be told, a large portion of my career in law enforcement was in CSI work. I worked hundreds of homicides. Three of those cases resulted in guilty convictions that were based exclusively upon my forensic investigations and my courtroom testimony. And those three men were executed in Potosi, Missouri's State Penitentiary in the 1990s. A couple two or three still remain on Death Row.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 14 at 2015 6:58 AM

2015-08-14T06:58:27-04:00

I believe it should exist, because we have both "monsters under the bed" and "wild dogs" that NEED to be put down.

I also believe that most governments are not trustworthy enough to use it, and the bar should be placed extremely high.

As an example, in states where the Death Penalty is not allowed, allowing it to go to Federal Court will bypass that restriction, and there is something wrong when that happens. A state should actively fight that, merely on "principle."

Additionally, you just cannot undo it. There is no way to fix a mistake. Our government makes mistakes on the Justice side all the time. Organizations like Project Innocence are constantly working to get people out, who we have proof did not commit the crime, yet we have Prosecutors fighting them the entire time, simply because overturning any decision calls into question every other case.

Third, there is the matter of method. We should do it in the most humane way possible. Yes, it's a Death Sentence, but we cannot become the monsters ourselves. It should be quick & painless. My suggestion is Nitrogen Asphyxiation, which takes seconds to minutes, and I believe meets that requirements. This bullet is more for us, than them.

So in essence, yes it should exist. It should be used rarely. We should be 100% sure, because we can't undo it. An example of this would be the Boston Marathon Bomber. That's a "wild dog who needs to be put down" and we have enough evidence to ensure there was NO doubt.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Aug 14 at 2015 8:54 AM

2015-08-14T08:54:58-04:00

When I heard that those two subhuman oxygen thieves that raped then murdered that Doctor's family, had their sentences reduced to life in prison, I wanted the USAF to BOMB the Fucking Prison they are housed in just to make sure they get what they deserved. I sincerely hope they get shanked in the showers.
I am a firm believer that the death penalty should be employed. I think that the "kindest" way to do that would be to use a .22 caliber pistol, with three rounds to the base of the skull. I think that life in prison without the possibility of parole is a polite way of saying "You are a human piece of shit that is not fit to be amongst other humans." I further think that the space in prisons, and the cost each year of keeping those people in prison is not something that we need. IF a person is deemed to be such a monster that that person cannot be rehabilitated to a point they can re-enter society, then they should be executed.
I think that when a person is sentenced to life without parole, the evidence should be re-examined, the individual should be given an evaluation, and the sentence should then either be reduced to include the possibility of parole, or escalated to the death penalty. I think that when a person is sentenced to death, they should have the evidence reviewed to provide the highest possible measure that the evidence is solid, and the individual is guilty. I think after that the person should be allowed one appeal. After that one appeal, if the death sentence is upheld, that person should be executed within one month of final sentencing.
That is jut my opinion, I could be wrong, but it feels to me like the right course of action.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 14 at 2015 9:06 AM

2015-08-14T09:06:21-04:00

I have no problem with capital punishment. But where I think it goes wrong is in the application and the appeals process. Application of what drugs, what amounts, and for how long. Just do away with the drugs altogether and go back to hanging, the chair, gas, or shooting. That alleviates one of the biggest arguments in executions. The appeals process is heinous. You can be sentenced to death, but outlive everyone that sent you there, and it's all on my dime? Makes no sense.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-08-14T10:17:59-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I was raised on a saying, "Only God can judge someone, we just arraign the meeting!"

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Aug 14 at 2015 10:35 AM

2015-08-14T10:35:01-04:00

Was it "constitutional" when the inmates killed people?
Let the punishment fit the crime.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-08-14T11:20:26-04:00

Baby killers should not pass go, and go directly into the electric chair. I agree that some other cases my not warrant the death penalty, BUT there are some serious cases that do. I don't condone this at all. This is what scares, some, straight. The thought of being put to death. After this is gone, I mean, what is left. "Oh, I'll kill and only get life in prison... That's not so bad." Just grrrrr

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 14 at 2015 11:33 AM

2015-08-14T11:33:19-04:00

In the Talmud, in tractate Sanhedrin (Aramaic for Courts) our rabbis ruled that a rabbinic court that ever executed someone is a murderous court.

In terms of American Jurisprudence, the death penalty process has become so convoluted that death row inmates are dying of old age or disease...

I would think that Life without Parole, in solitary, would be a suitable punishment. It's much less expensive than the death penalty, and it's much more difficult for the convict to endure. The death penalty is, in a way, an escape from hard time, and is really too good for some of these cons...

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 14 at 2015 11:40 AM

2015-08-14T11:40:02-04:00

With evidence and the right circumstances I'm all for it.
Sexually abuse kids or murder someone not in self defense I'm OK with the death penalty.
I'm also all for corporal punishment.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Aug 14 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-08-14T11:53:45-04:00

I'm oppossed to it. I hope the states' rights crowd will respect Connecticut's decision.

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made Aug 14 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-08-14T11:53:53-04:00

Their crimes were unconstitutional... sounds even to me.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 14 at 2015 12:04 PM

2015-08-14T12:04:16-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I fully support the death penalty in all capital crimes especially where a human life is extinguished on purpose. Anybody who willfully and purposely kills another human being solely based on their own desires deserves to be executed. In past decades before DNA and other forensic science capabilities had matured some people were apparently wrongly convicted and executed - only God knows the whole truth in those and every other case for that mater.
It is ironic now that now DNA and other forensic science capabilities have matured that there is an effort to eliminate capital punishment.
Talk about a slow judicial process in Connecticut according to the article Eduardo Santiago was convicted in a 2000 murder-for-hire scheme and sentenced in 2012. Victims and accused should be afforded a speedy trial which begins soon after a suspect is apprehended with sufficient evidence to bring to trial. The public's right to know does not trump the privacy of the witnesses, accused, and victims. PO3 Steven Sherrill, SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 14 at 2015 2:17 PM

2015-08-14T14:17:55-04:00

So some folks murder people in the most dreadful and sadistic ways but we care about their constitutional rights? It seems like the courts are just as guilty for ruling in foolish manners as the politicians, the media, and the mobs.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Aug 14 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-08-14T16:54:48-04:00

I believe in it. I also believe everyone has a legal right to be proven innocent and or guility. Once the latter is determined and death is warranted death penalty 100%

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 14 at 2015 5:46 PM

2015-08-14T17:46:13-04:00

First, I don't believe that any thinking person can claim to have stood on one side of the debate over the death penalty or the other without ever wavering. I know that I have flip flopped on the issue over the years. Yes, it absolutely deters the executed person from ever committing a crime again. However, there is no clear evidence one way or the other as to whether is deters others from committing crimes. Yes, it is deserved, but only deserved by the person who committed the crime. Criminal justice is an imperfect art and many innocent people have been convicted regardless of the tenet that it is better for a guilty person to go free than for an innocent one to be punished. Yes, minorities are sentenced to execution far more frequently than white males, but to be fair, they are the ones committing violent crimes in proportion to their representation in the population.

Second, I can't believe that any law can be declared unconstitutional only for those convicted following a certain date. This is the most bass-ackwards application of the legal principal of ex post facto that I can imagine (Indeed, I'm not even sure if that is the correct principle - I'm that confused by the caveat they decided in the application of this ruling). If it's unconstitutional for thee, isn't it unconstitutional for me regardless of the facts in the case?

Sadly, it appears that this state's supreme court is as messed up as the federal Supreme Court...

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Aug 16 at 2015 3:03 AM

2015-08-16T03:03:26-04:00

http://salt.claretianpubs.org/issues/deathp/prejean.html

Amazing article that asks the question "would Jesus pull the switch?" I don't think much can be refuted about the barbarism if this tactic and it has no moral place in civil society.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 16 at 2015 3:47 AM

2015-08-16T03:47:31-04:00

Expand it to cover pedophiles and rapists.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 16 at 2015 11:08 AM

2015-08-16T11:08:30-04:00

I am Not for the Death Penalty. Never have been. I don't believe in "an eye for an eye....a tooth for a tooth."
However, with this being said, I pray that-for instance-the guy who raped me, is locked up for LIFE; with NO possibility of Parole....and with the KEY thrown away. He should NEVER, EVER BE ALLOWED to do to OTHERS- what he did to me.
I pray this prayer for insane criminals; especially those who murder, etc.
And I am well aware of the fact, on the other hand, that hardened criminals escape; and commit their heinous crimes again.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2015 1:51 PM

2015-08-16T13:51:45-04:00

The death penalty should only be used in cases where DNA evidence corroborates or in a case like the Boston bombing. Other than that, no. There have been way too many documented cases of innocent people being on death row, some after the fact! Also the death penalty has been shown to provide no deterrence value and often is more expensive than life in jail with the extended appeals process. The death penalty is necessary but it needs to be a rare occurrence... Not like Texas!

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Aug 16 at 2015 2:19 PM

2015-08-16T14:19:45-04:00

Our use of the death penalty should be more swift, sure, and frequent.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Aug 16 at 2015 6:38 PM

2015-08-16T18:38:44-04:00

Unless it is proven without a DOUBT that it was PRE MEDITATED murder....Other than this type of case...I don't think their should be a death penalty...

Response by 1LT Aaron Barr made Apr 4 at 2016 9:42 AM

2016-04-04T09:42:19-04:00

So a penalty that the Constitution specifically permits in the 5th Amendment is unconstitutional? WTF?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 7:20 PM

2018-03-02T19:20:54-05:00

Must have hit a nerve huh Pvt Lopez?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 7:22 PM

2018-03-02T19:22:45-05:00

I believe in it 100%, note, I was a Police Officer for many years.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Mar 2 at 2018 7:33 PM

2018-03-02T19:33:38-05:00

We kill mad dogs, don’t we?

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 2 at 2018 7:37 PM

2018-03-02T19:37:27-05:00

I am in favor of the death penalty in terms of deterrent even more than punishment. But, in our great country, we have a significant problem with the death penalty. Many states are slow to execute and doing so only after dozens of years of legal wrangling co(that is You and I) many millions of dollars. In California, more death row inmates die of old age or disease than by lethal injection (which is another story.) In many jurisdictions we are seeing the anti-gun agenda reigning over common sense while at the same time fighting to end the capital punishment. A dichotomy in the extreme - one that plays with the lives of honest law abiding citizens. May this is not completely on point but this is my truth.

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Mar 2 at 2018 7:39 PM

2018-03-02T19:39:13-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I cheered when the State of Texas told Mexico and the World court to stuff it.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Mar 2 at 2018 7:51 PM

2018-03-02T19:51:38-05:00

Support it.
Heinous crimes require a definitive response, lest society lose her fabric and bearing.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Mar 2 at 2018 7:54 PM

2018-03-02T19:54:26-05:00

too many people view it in simple terms of punishment an eye for an eye. That somehow it is a good deterrent, I dont really care if it is a deterrent. The death penalty is much more simple than having to weigh the issue in a Supreme Court. At the end of the day when the death penalty is enforced we should all be comforted that person is no longer a threat to anyone. So many people are missing the point it is not about the jackass. It is about permanently removing a threat from society. Not to mention with every execution there are lots of victims who get a level of relief.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 2 at 2018 8:20 PM

2018-03-02T20:20:37-05:00

When You look at some of these animals and how little regard they had for the lives of others and they are still alive and their victims aren't and the families of the victims will never again be able to see them. If You think this depraved individuals will change, they won't and need to be permanently removed from society so they can no longer do their evil to anyone else. The only sure rehabilitation or making sure they will never again commit a violent crime is to execute them. Only them will society be safe and that is as close to rehabilitation these animals will ever come.

Response by SPC Andrew Ross made Mar 2 at 2018 8:20 PM

2018-03-02T20:20:52-05:00

How do I feel about the death penalty?
I feel pretty good about it!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 8:24 PM

2018-03-02T20:24:39-05:00

"How Do You Feel About The Death Penalty?"

I feel that, properly used, it is a great tool to improve the gene pool, at least at the margin. It is underutilized. IMV it should also be a punishment for child molesters and child abusers. Don't ask me how I feel about the Connecticut Supreme Court and their ruling ...

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Mar 2 at 2018 8:31 PM

2018-03-02T20:31:28-05:00

It's a killer...

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Mar 2 at 2018 8:36 PM

2018-03-02T20:36:09-05:00

I would be fore the Death Penalty except that over the years a number of people who were wrongly convicted received the death penalty and after they were exonerated I guess it was a little hard to bring them back and release them!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 8:50 PM

2018-03-02T20:50:57-05:00

I posted this in 2015. Almost three years ago. Since then, there has been a brutal murder in my family. One of my sister in law was murdered in her home on Dec.22, 2017. She was shot multiple times, and the only thing taken was her purse and cell phone. My brother in law has been cleared. Our entire family has been cleared, yet the police are no closer to solving this today as they were 90 days ago. My sister in law was a beautiful, caring, mother, grandmother, and I loved her very much. When this POS is caught, he better get the death penalty. Anything else would be criminal in itself. Nobody knows why this beautiful lady was murdered. One of the cops told a friend of mine, who is also a cop, this case may never be solved. My brother in law has put up a $100,000 reward, but nothing yet. None of us feel safe, and won’t until this bastard is caught and convicted. I now carry everywhere I go. My sister in law last year at Easter.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 8:50 PM

2018-03-02T20:50:57-05:00

When caught red-handed and convicted or after a guilty plea, the penalty should be carried out immediately!

Response by Alan K. made Mar 2 at 2018 9:14 PM

2018-03-02T21:14:46-05:00

If the crime warrants it....Absolutely.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 2 at 2018 9:45 PM

2018-03-02T21:45:19-05:00

Right now it appears there is no justice- Murderers can spend 10-15 yrs in jail and get out, or life in prison at our expense- earning college degree's, filing endless appeals. Meanwhile their victim's family has to look at any empty place in their house for holidays, etc.

Response by Sgt Randy Wilber made Mar 2 at 2018 10:10 PM

2018-03-02T22:10:32-05:00

I'm all in for the death penalty thanks for sharing SGT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 10:23 PM

2018-03-02T22:23:21-05:00

My feelings about the formal court sanctioned death penalty executed on a prisoner in custody - while perhaps not to my taste or anyone else's taste because we outlawed public executions because they are distasteful - are whatever the US Supreme Court says is the law of the land. That said, I am not above shooting to kill a rapist or other felony suspect who may be a threat to my family, friends, or colleagues. I would be quiet and discrete if possible - but I would most certainly end their evil career. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)

Response by PO2 Donald Freeman made Mar 2 at 2018 10:43 PM

2018-03-02T22:43:33-05:00

Why should we support these animals for the rest of their natural lives. End it now! Liberal judges have never had someone taken from them!

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Mar 2 at 2018 10:46 PM

2018-03-02T22:46:47-05:00

A great idea in a perfect legal system, In ours not so much.

Response by SFC George Sease made Mar 2 at 2018 10:52 PM

2018-03-02T22:52:43-05:00

The POS grining like the joke is on us. The joke is going to be on him if Connecticut ends up giving him the chair or they juice him.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 2 at 2018 10:53 PM

2018-03-02T22:53:05-05:00

If I were the convict, I would choose death over life in prison without the possibility of parole.

If I had my druthers, I would make lifer's row a 8x8 cell without a window or any form of furniture. The walls would be covered with a photograph of their victim(s). The lighting would never change. Once they entered the cell, they would be bolted in, never to leave alive again. The toilet would be a six inch circular hole that led to a holding tank that was flushed once per day. If they fouled their cell, tough. They would drink nothing but water from a spigot. They would eat once a day, every meal would be the same blended loaf of flavorless nutrient that fell from a chute, served without utensils. There would be nothing to do except think, sleep, eat, and rage in boredom and frustration. Their life would be streamed on the internet and the transmission cut anytime their activity was unsuitable for viewing.

Cruel and unusual...? Yes, but my wishful imagination is not constrained by the Constitution.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Mar 3 at 2018 12:59 AM

2018-03-03T00:59:53-05:00

It looks like anarcy is ruling. What'wrong is right and what'ams right is wrong.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Mar 3 at 2018 3:50 AM

2018-03-03T03:50:02-05:00

I believe that the concept of executing criminals for heinous crimes is correct, however the way it is handled in our legal system is a debacle, as is our justice and prison system in general. Never minding the travesty in states, looking at the US Military's death row we haven't executed a single death row inmate since 1961, (and the crimes he was executed for, rape and attempted murder, are no longer capital crimes).
There are 6 men on death Row, the shortest time being there is 8 years and the longest is 30 years.
Handing down the death sentence all but guarantees a long drawn own process that costs taxpayers millions of dollars due to the appeals process and heightened security with no guarantee the prisoner won't succumb to old age before they are executed.
In my opinion a person sentenced to death should have their appeals heard and either have the sentence commuted, reduced or be acquitted within two years. If not they should be excuted.

Response by MSG Jay Jackson made Mar 3 at 2018 7:52 AM

2018-03-03T07:52:27-05:00

I think it is dead on!!!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2018 10:21 AM

2018-03-03T10:21:17-05:00

If these people can’t be rehabilitated and they can’t be trusted to re-enter with the general population then what’s the point in keeping them in a cage the rest of their life. Wouldn’t it be more humane to just put them out of the misery and end their life? I have no problem with death penalty. But hey, abortion is perfectly legal.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 3 at 2018 11:02 AM

2018-03-03T11:02:38-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member State Sanctioned Murder is still Murder, Even if it is used on a Murderer it is still Murder. Not Often that I'm Complete Agreement with the Catholic Church but in this Case I am.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Mar 3 at 2018 12:17 PM

2018-03-03T12:17:30-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member in the U.S, the death penalty does not seem to be much of a deterrent. Additionally, far too many people, mostly men, are sentenced to death after being convicted and eventually it is proven that they are in fact innocent. So I do not have a law degree and cannot address the death penalty's constitutionality, but I think it is not worth having.

Response by CPL Bill Schroeder made Mar 3 at 2018 5:30 PM

2018-03-03T17:30:20-05:00

As a retired Major Crimes Investigator who has sent men to death row let me give my opinion. I have never seen any indication that the death penalty is a deterrent. One thing that most people don't know about is the continued trauma it causes the victims family. Years of appeals and hearings that force the family to relive the tragedy over and over. Life without parole provides closure to a family. JMHO.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2018 6:52 PM

2018-03-03T18:52:19-05:00

I would feel a lot more comfortable if the form used was hanging, in public, televised, and recorded for future "stealth" broadcasting.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2018 8:02 PM

2018-03-03T20:02:01-05:00

I used to be pro-capital punishment but now am against. Not because of any concerns about state-sponsored killing but because of the number of the number of people found wrongfully convicted of a crime who were 100% innocent.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 7:29 AM

2018-03-04T07:29:36-05:00

What Constitution are they reading. Our Constitution directly references the death penalty as punishment for things like treason.

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Mar 4 at 2018 2:56 PM

2018-03-04T14:56:50-05:00

I dont think anyone is surprised my personal pondering on the subject. As long as we are on the subject and just to reenforce my personal feelings, which are right by the way, methods its all about methods. There is no telling how much money we have spent trying to find the most humane, painless means to ease those people our society deemed unfit to the other side. The truth is to much money and thought goes into methods. Bullet is cheap, a bat is pretty cheap but can be used multiple times. If anyone thinks my thoughts are vile and unchristian, I will say they would stone a jackass in the Bible. When I say stone I mean they through rocks at the bad guy until he/she was dead. Stop this person is not a good person, they are evil. It does not matter if it deters anyone or not from future bad deeds what it did do was make sure this specific jackass can never be a repeat offender.

Response by SGT Cynthia Barnard made Mar 4 at 2018 5:08 PM

2018-03-04T17:08:54-05:00

I 100% support it.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Mar 4 at 2018 6:55 PM

2018-03-04T18:55:56-05:00

I believe in the death penalty.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 7:37 PM

2018-03-04T19:37:19-05:00

There are crimes bad enough to warrant removing the perpetrators from among the living. So, for those truly guilty of such crimes, I have no sympathy at all. However, we also have unscrupulous people in law enforcement and the courts, not to mention the vast hordes of daytime TV watchers waiting to sit on a jury. Your chances of being wrongly convicted are influenced greatly by the competence of your defense lawyer. In this regard, poor people are in greater danger of being convicted of crimes they did not commit. For these reasons, I think life imprisonment is a better sentencing option than the death penalty, though my first instinct upon hearing of a horrendous crime is always, "Kill them as soon as possible." For the sake of the innocent, I think we should use life imprisonment - but again, that's not out of any squeamishness about killing the guilty.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2018 8:12 PM

2018-03-04T20:12:30-05:00

transfer them to TX, it will be done in 48 hours.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 4 at 2018 10:32 PM

2018-03-04T22:32:00-05:00

Since you asked.... While I do feel that some crimes merit the death penalty I don't think it is much of a deterrent to crime nor is it cost effective. There is also the fact that the death penalty seems to be applied disproportionately to people from minority groups with lower levels of intelligence and education. Another factor is that it costs a lot to get someone executed once all the legal costs are factored in.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Mar 5 at 2018 7:46 AM

2018-03-05T07:46:39-05:00

It is an absurdity that the death penalty would be deemed unconstitutional since it was used as a penalty for some crimes when the document was drafted. The fifth amendment even contemplates the loss of "life and limb" as a punishment.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

The courts have surpassed their authority (once again) by making the death sentence "unconstitutional". It was a legal punishment, the founders had no trepidation about it. There should be an amendment to the Constitution to make it illegal if that is what they want but hey know it will never pass so the courts play with the law for their own "progressive" purposes.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2018 10:05 AM

2018-03-05T10:05:53-05:00

The Death penalty... Does anyone else find it interesting how Liberals are Anti Death penalty and Pro Abortion, and Conservatives are Pro Death penalty and Anti-Abortion....
Be honest they are two sides of the same coin, you are taking a life.

In the case of the Death Penalty I am for it.

how ever I think we need some changes in our legal system. First is an independent review by third parties where all evidence and the case is reviewed in a blind environment. This would best serve justice as too many high profile cases are tried in public opinion. I would also like to see a law passed that said if there are 3 of 4 defining pieces of evidence you don't get more than one appeal. The 4 defining criteria are (DNA, Video / Audio, 3 or more eye witness, Motive and opportunity.)

I would also like to see a law passed that says if you bring false accusations that net someone prison time or the death penalty you will be given the same amount of punishment they did or received. (i.e they do 5 years in prison you do 5 years in prison, they get killed in prison you get the death penalty) We have seen to many cases where someone got put in prison only to be exonerated 10, 20, or 30 years later because the accuser recanted and said they made it all up. I knew a women that accused a black man of rapping her because she didn't want to admit to her white family she had consensual sex with him. Luckily he had txt messages from her that proved she was lying. But with out that he could have spent time in prison.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 5 at 2018 6:55 PM

2018-03-05T18:55:51-05:00

I'm kind of an eye for an eye kind of guy so believe in it. Unfortunately if anyone views it as a deterrent it has failed completely in that aspect.

Response by Sgt William Pilgrim Jr. made Mar 11 at 2018 10:53 PM

2018-03-11T22:53:54-04:00

I believe in it 100% and if he was convicted then by god they should carry it out and stop all this bull of appeals and just carry out the punishment.. the court ruling is a forest and the 4 judges who voted it was unconstitutional need to be voted out as they are out of there minds...

Response by CW4 Chad Balwanz made Mar 21 at 2018 10:35 PM

2018-03-21T22:35:07-04:00

It is the tax payer who must support the people on death row for decades. Charles Manson a prime example. We're being taxed to death to provide for incarceration of those who were sentenced to death, but that takes decades and many die of natural causes while victoms and there families suffer from the lack of swift justice.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 27 at 2018 12:47 PM

2018-03-27T12:47:45-04:00

Bunch of bleeding heart liberals there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2018 2:09 PM

2018-03-27T14:09:23-04:00

I think the death penalty is a complete waste of time. The majority of people who get a death sentence die of natural causes before they even get executed because of the amount of appeals. It costs more to house a death row inmate than someone who gets sentenced to life (since a life sentence usually isn't a life sentence).

Now IF someone does get executed, the majority of the time it brings no comfort to the family of the victim. It sometimes causes more conflict, more stress and more drama. A few people get closure but not the majority.

Also let's think about all the people who have been wrongly convicted, sentenced to death AND were executed...what about those lives?

I'm not against it but it just seems to be a waste.

Response by A1C Lexas Granger made Apr 1 at 2018 10:43 AM

2018-04-01T10:43:28-04:00

I’m a firm believer of life in prison, the problem is there’s no space for those people in prison. My solution is if you’re 65 or older and you’re still in prison for whatever you did, then you should be euthanized or shot til dead. Either way would be useful, and there’d be a better incentive to not be sent to prison. XD

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2018 2:32 PM

2018-04-01T14:32:28-04:00

Nobody has the right to take another’s Life! Nobody!

Response by SGT Bill Kirby made Apr 2 at 2018 5:18 PM

2018-04-02T17:18:49-04:00

Unconstitutional, no. But I would rather ten guilty not be executed than execute one innocent.
When there is no doubt at all fry’m juice’m what ever. But you better have witnesses with no connections.

Response by PFC John Yaws made Apr 3 at 2018 1:38 PM

2018-04-03T13:38:46-04:00

If the proper criteria are used in due process, I am all for it.

Response by SPC Tony Means made Apr 8 at 2018 2:39 PM

2018-04-08T14:39:10-04:00

Until we have real penalties that we enforce we're just spinning our wheels.

Response by SSgt James Carter made Apr 8 at 2018 5:25 PM

2018-04-08T17:25:35-04:00

If the capital punishment penalty were incorporated into the state constitution then it would require a 2/3 vote of the citizens to change. Leaving it as a rule (or regulation) allows state legislatures to make changes without the consent of the people - at least until the next election. It is a shame we have to deal with activist courts and activist legislatures that circumvent the wishes of the electorate on an almost daily basis. The death penalty is almost never used in cases where there is even the slightest chance of behavior modification as far as I can tell - although in years past that wasn't always the case. I do believe penalties were more or less severe based on race, which is a crime unto itself.

So, I support the state's rights to establish and enforce a death penalty in some cases, but I really want it to be the option of last resort.

Response by CPO Michael Hatten made Apr 17 at 2018 10:47 PM

2018-04-17T22:47:29-04:00

I know it's not a popular position but count me as anti-death penalty. There are just too many innocent people on death row. We hear about cases all the time of people wrongfully convicted. And the cost of making sure it's being applied correctly -- that the person has had a fair trial and the penalty applied in accordance with the 8th Amendment -- is way more than keeping someone for life with no parole. For all that, research has pretty much proven that it doesn't really deter crimes anyway. Fear of the needle hasn't brought the murder rates down much.

Ultimately, though, it's just wrong. The state shouldn't be killing people. Even murderers and terrorists should get a chance to redeem themselves even it it's from a jail cell from which they'll never be released. And when the state kills people for revenge they make it that much easier for other people to do it too.

Response by CPT Chuck Flint made Apr 23 at 2018 3:55 PM

2018-04-23T15:55:30-04:00

Under utilized is what I think of he death penalty. I'm all for a fair trial but then, carry out the punishment. Anyone that has served in the Middle East has probably had the opportunity to see the public hangings (Kuwait). Not that we need to do it in public, but it might add a slight deterrent effect. Even if it doesn't, just carry out the sentence.

Response by SGT Aric Lier made Apr 23 at 2018 5:19 PM

2018-04-23T17:19:04-04:00

a tall tree and a short rope.

Response by MAJ David McCormick made Apr 27 at 2018 4:30 PM

2018-04-27T16:30:24-04:00

It's more unconstitutional for the heinous act they committed on their victims. So, yes I believe in the death penalty.

Response by SPC Herb Jorgensen made Apr 29 at 2018 5:51 PM

2018-04-29T17:51:25-04:00

In most instance I agree with the death penalty ,however...there are some instances where the conviction was proved to be an unlawful conviction by new DNA testing.Over 12 in the state of Alabama alone in the past 8 years.If it is verified that the penalty is warranted by exculpatory ,and proper forensic evidence and not circumstantial evidence,i agree.The unfortunate part is that it takes way to long and should bear forth the option of electric,chemical,bullet or noose.As stated long ago,it is by this court, that tomorrow at dawn, you shall hang by your neck until dead and may god have mercy upon your sole.,if you have one.... Judge Roy Bean

Response by SGT Jd Williamson made May 1 at 2018 12:11 PM

2018-05-01T12:11:11-04:00

The Death Penalty is absolutely needed. I feel this decision is nothing more than incremental liberalism and a repeat of a social experiment that has already failed. In the 80's this was tried and failed. It endangered not only our law enforcement and fire first responders, but society in general. "Those that are ignorant of the past (or intentionally chose to ignore it) are doomed to repeat their failures."

Response by SGT George Duncan made May 7 at 2018 1:28 PM

2018-05-07T13:28:42-04:00

since we have no natural predators it's up to us to put out the garbage

Response by SFC Wayne Garcia made May 8 at 2018 11:35 PM

2018-05-08T23:35:42-04:00

Innocent people have been put to death. And some were put death based on circumstantial evidence. Totally against it.

Response by LT John Stevens made May 9 at 2018 4:15 PM

2018-05-09T16:15:05-04:00

I suppose there are a lot of people out there who probably would consider me a "Neanderthal," for many of my views on criminal justice. I believe in a far more speedy trial, limitation to no more than one appeal, and mandatory execution of the sentence in no less than one year, two at most under special circumstances. I believe that sentences should far more closely resemble the crimes committed. If a criminal shoots and kills someone, upon conviction his punishment should be swift, public, and should consist of being shot in exactly the same ways he shot his victim. If the criminal cut someone to death and they die, he should be cut in the same manner. If he bludgeons someone to death he in turn should be bludgeoned to death.

On the other hand, our criminal justice system is thoroughly broken. All attorneys in these cases basically are charged to win at all cost and damn truth or justice. Judges are nothing more than referees in most cases. So who in this system is responsible for seeing justice is done? There is no one. I believe that EVERYONE involved should have a first duty to seek truth and justice. Attorneys, whether prosecution or defense should be held accountable for this and punished if they violate their duty. Furthermore, the jury system we have does not work. Few juries are intellectually or educationally capable of hearing, understanding, and evaluating evidence. Additionally, the average person in the US does not, and can not, grasp the thought processes, or lack thereof, of violent criminals who lack any empathy for their victims and bring only narcissistic motivations to the crimes they commit.
I believe, quite honestly, that if executions were conducted swiftly, publicly, and horribly, the violent crime rate, and murder in particular would rapidly decline, and certainly there would be no recidivism.

Response by AB Robert Donley made May 15 at 2018 10:28 PM

2018-05-15T22:28:12-04:00

If someone murders another, they forfeit their right to live. Terminate them.

Response by PO1 Donald Vinson made May 21 at 2018 3:17 PM

2018-05-21T15:17:22-04:00

I fully support the death penalty. The question is what does the death penalty really mean? Is it just a term used to imprison criminals for long term? They should have a strict guideline on when the death penalty should be carried out maybe not to exceed 3-5 years. This would definitely save tax-payers paying for three meals a day, free room and board, free cable TV, free medical care and may prevent overcrowding in the prisons. I'm sure I have missed some other benefits but those are some that makes common sense. They definitely didn't wait in the old western days. This is just me rambling on.

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made May 21 at 2018 4:32 PM

2018-05-21T16:32:25-04:00

The military, law enforcement, and firefighters face the possibility of meeting death everyday; yet, nothing is said about their untimely and needless deaths other than for the naysayers to say these men and women volunteered for the job. Then there are the sorry excuses for humanity who go out and commit heinous crimes for whatever reason, and then expect to be treated with kid gloves. I, for one, believe in the death penalty. I'm also one who turned in my own son for the murder of a known drug dealer committed by him and a friend. He was lucky to have gotten twenty to life in prison...and all for $45 and a bag of crack. My final say on behalf of the death penalty is that stiffer sentences without rotating doors and/or awaiting a sharp needle means less opportunity for these crimes to be repeated.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made May 23 at 2018 5:34 PM

2018-05-23T17:34:56-04:00

I do not agree that courts, judges or juries should have the right to order a human being to death, regardless of the crime or the evidence.... God will handle that.

BUT what should happen, the perp should be locked in a 6' x 10' cement walled room, NO windows, one light bulb, a steel toilet and sink, a bunk and NOTHING ELSE. No TV, no games, no visitors, no exercise periods. Meals are basic bland 3 times a day of the same cheap thing. Some would say it is cruel and unusual, they would go insane... so? Let them. They are locked in a cement hole.. they can beat themselves or scream all they want. The only way they EVER leave that room is suicide OR they choose themselves to be put to death.

In terms of others deciding to impose the death penalty, INSTEAD and as long as the evidence is clear, there is NO doubt, no ambiguity, and that it clearly and unmistakably proves that person committed the act, then the death penalty decision should be given to the FAMILY of the victim.

THEY, the victims family, should decide on the punishment at that level.. They have two choices they can make for punishment. death or life imprisonment, NO parole EVER... OR a third option.. They get 10 minutes in a room with the suspect, no windows, video, and whatever happens, happens. If, when they leave the room the perp is still alive, they get life no parole. If the perp is dead, case closed.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2018 10:34 AM

2018-05-24T10:34:47-04:00

I'm all about the DS (funny how it stands both for Death Sentence and Drill Sergeant), but only when it has been proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that the defendant is guilty and that death is a fit punishment for the crime.

I concur with previous comments about conducting this business humanely and to highlight that it's about deterrence as well as providing the stakeholders with a degree of justice.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made May 24 at 2018 8:07 PM

2018-05-24T20:07:35-04:00

Rape, killing a cop, murder 1, sexual exploitation of a child...……….. brzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt! Fry them and Connecticut sux, been there, wouldn't give you $.39 for the entire state.

Response by SPC Brian Barriger made May 31 at 2018 6:00 PM

2018-05-31T18:00:42-04:00

I fully support the death penalty. My only issue with it is the people on death row spent too much time and waste too much tax payer money. I say increase it and speed it up. If more state followed suit with the death penalty I seriously believe crimes that warrant it would drop. Show these guys we mean business about it

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 27 at 2019 11:11 AM

2019-07-27T11:11:04-04:00

Good...obv, that's just my own thought, however, to me, at least, good....