Death Penalty Pendulum Swing

Although the national obsession with the deterrent effects of the death penalty have yet to dissipate, despite the evidence that it really doesn't serve this cause well, there is a swing toward at least exercising caution in using it. There is a trend, some times on the part of legislatures and at others on the part of the judiciary to raise questions of fairness in how it is meted out and the cruelty with which it can at times be carried out. As one of the few Western nations to still utilize the death penalty, it is time for such re-thinking.

Andrew Cohen's op-ed piece in today's LA Times offers an intriguing and worth reading look at the current trend, that will likely result in fewer states utilizing the death penalty and higher standards of fairness when being used in those states that retain it.

So, as one who opposes the death penalty, this is good news!

Comments

Popular Posts