Well, here we go again with the topic of the death penalty. Though I am not schooled in the law, yet I lean toward conservatism, I do support the death penalty. I believe the old notion that punishment should fit the crime. Yes, this is a subjective interpretation.
The supporters of doing away with the death penalty use the argument that government is imperfect and should not decide who lives and who dies. Another argument they use is that the death penalty does not reduce crime. Ridiculous reasoning. Another argument is that the justice system is imperfect. Indeed.
I strongly suggest that the justice system and the penal code need to be corrected and improved. Establish uncompromising criteria for heinous crimes where the death penalty is justified. Those accused of any crime deserve speedy justice. The endless and costly appeals allowed for those convicted of the death penalty do not represent speedy justice. Time should not negate justice.
An unreasonable consequence to the current justice system is turning our prisons into expensive geriatric wards. The penalty of life in prison accomplishes very little. We warehouse too many aging prisoners paid by tax dollars. What kind of justice is that?
Reform the justice system before doing away with the death penalty.
Elmary Davidson
Layton