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Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convictions

Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

T.E.D., I must respectfully disagree with you on the DP. The standard of Proof for the DP is higher, and has been raised repeatedly for such crimes. It's VERY VERY hard these days to even arrest the wrong person for such a crime. Let alone convict them. Most of the "taken off Death Row" folks you hear about are because the defense finds a way to cast JUST enough doubt to get them life instead.

The better our science gets, the less and less likely someone innocent might even be arrested for such. Yeah, sometime, maybe... the guy standing NEXT to shooter might fry. BOO HOO. If you're stupid enough to be that intimately involved in a murder... too freaking bad man.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

Read Ephesian 6:2. The Bible does not state that government is the highest power and is infallible. It tells us to respect the laws, but that they aren't always the moral decision and at times we must fight against them. So, do you interpret that passage to mean that the government could decide to kill all Christians and God gives his stamp of approval on it because He gives them the right to decide right and wrong?

Back on topic....

My understanding... If, the DA's office does not seek it no one else gets a say so. The victims family typically is included in these discussions, but ultimately the DA decides. Once the DA decides to go for it the other steps are the same. Juries have to be unanimous on all things....UNANIMOUS JURY gives the death verdict. Prosecutors seek it, juries vote on it and the judge applies it.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

No justice system is perfect, as such you need to be able to compensate the people who are wrongly convicted. The death penalty does not allow for the mistakes to be corrected, as it a rather permanent solution. Life in prison without possibility of parole serves the same overall purpose of keeping dangerous offenders away from the public, while allowing for a wrongfull conviction to be changed and the person wrongfully convicted to be set free and compensated for his suffering
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

No justice system is perfect, as such you need to be able to compensate the people who are wrongly convicted. The death penalty does not allow for the mistakes to be corrected, as it a rather permanent solution. Life in prison without possibility of parole serves the same overall purpose of keeping dangerous offenders away from the public, while allowing for a wrongfull conviction to be changed and the person wrongfully convicted to be set free and compensated for his suffering

Except they enjoy free meals, housing and a gym on the tax payers dime.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

T.E.D., I must respectfully disagree with you on the DP. The standard of Proof for the DP is higher, and has been raised repeatedly for such crimes. It's VERY VERY hard these days to even arrest the wrong person for such a crime. Let alone convict them. Most of the "taken off Death Row" folks you hear about are because the defense finds a way to cast JUST enough doubt to get them life instead.

The Innocence Project has freed enough wrongfully convicted men to convince me that we're not sharp enough to make capital punishment worth the risk.

Given how many have been freed, it makes me wonder how many who are still on death row who are innocent and simply can't prove it.
 
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Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

No justice system is perfect, as such you need to be able to compensate the people who are wrongly convicted. The death penalty does not allow for the mistakes to be corrected, as it a rather permanent solution. Life in prison without possibility of parole serves the same overall purpose of keeping dangerous offenders away from the public, while allowing for a wrongfull conviction to be changed and the person wrongfully convicted to be set free and compensated for his suffering

For the record, I am a firm supporter of capital punishment. I've seen and read all of the studies. Call it what you want but be honest, it is retribution, plain and simple. And you know what, that is fine by me. Victim's families and we as a society of laws need closure and sometimes this is the only way to get it.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

Except they enjoy free meals, housing and a gym on the tax payers dime.

That's the price you pay if you want to lock someone up.

That said, prison is no picnic. The only places where you can really do "soft time" are inaccessible to violent offenders.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

Back on topic....

My understanding... If, the DA's office does not seek it no one else gets a say so. The victims family typically is included in these discussions, but ultimately the DA decides.

DAs have discovered that it is to their political advantage to pursue death whenever they can, because it makes them look tough on crime. The fact that the DA is the only one who gets to decide to start this process is no hindrance whatsoever.

Once the DA decides to go for it the other steps are the same. Juries have to be unanimous on all things....UNANIMOUS JURY gives the death verdict.

Not difficult to accomplish with an emotionally charged crime.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

DAs have discovered that it is to their political advantage to pursue death whenever they can, because it makes them look tough on crime. The fact that the DA is the only one who gets to decide to start this process is no hindrance whatsoever.

Be careful when you see someone freed because of new testing. If true, glad it happened, but the press would much rather report that than the 1000's successfully convicted with good evidence
Not difficult to accomplish with an emotionally charged crime.

Everyone has an agenda.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

For the record, I am a firm supporter of capital punishment. I've seen and read all of the studies. Call it what you want but be honest, it is retribution, plain and simple. And you know what, that is fine by me. Victim's families and we as a society of laws need closure and sometimes this is the only way to get it.

Ok it is retribution

Now what if the wrong person was executee? Who should that persons family seek retribution on, the lawyers the judge and the jury, should they all be killed for murder (killing an innocent person is murder)
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

Be careful when you see someone freed because of new testing. If true, glad it happened, but the press would much rather report that than the 1000's successfully convicted with good evidence

What you are failing to understand about my position is that I don't want a single solitary person to be wrongfully executed, whatever the reason may be.

Until we can achieve that, capital punishment is inherently unjust because of the risk of a wrongful execution.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

Ok it is retribution

Now what if the wrong person was executee? Who should that persons family seek retribution on, the lawyers the judge and the jury, should they all be killed for murder (killing an innocent person is murder)

We are sorry and give them money
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

We are sorry and give them money

Not if someone is dead, the people responsible should be executed as well
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

What you are failing to understand about my position is that I don't want a single solitary person to be wrongfully executed, whatever the reason may be.

Until we can achieve that, capital punishment is inherently unjust because of the risk of a wrongful execution.

Achieve what? Rather than fix the real problem, we'll just cancel the death penalty, and sweep the real problem under the rug - who cares if people sit in prison for 20 years on a bad conviction?

Even if you changed the death penalty to life in prison, it's still a problem. The problem IS with the administration of justice in the court system, not the administration of the death penalty.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

Well, I'm new here on the forums, and not sure this is the best way to start this out, but I'm going to go for it. forgive the length of the post. Several years ago, a friend of mine, who is a police officer, was involved in a case involving the murder of a little girl by the boyfriend of the child's mother. He was caught, confessed, and was sentenced to life in prison for the crime. My friend, is in an area without the death penalty, and not a huge supporter of it, but having seen the child's body, and being involved so closely in the case, he was very torn on the subject. I, being the opinionated wench that I am, am not torn on the subject. I am going to just copy and paste the letter I wrote to him about it. It kinda sums up my thoughts. Forgive me for not rewriting it into a more proper reply, but this seemed easiest, and I am also a lazy wench.

I'm glad the man who did this to her will pay for his crime. I know there is nothing that could be done to him (even what you would like to do to him) which will bring this child back, nor that will possibly be enough to make up for what he did. Can a lifetime in prison make up for it? Of course it cant. Can killing him (as is what would most likely happen here) make up for it? No, that wont do it either. An eye for an eye, or a life for a life, is easy to say, but in the end it accomplishes little, and lessens all of us. You know I dont believe in life after death, so I dont believe in any kind of judgement after death, nor do I believe people will pay for their sins, or be rewarded for their good, after they pass, so justice, such as it is, must be eked out in this life, or it never will be. If society were to decide to deal the ultimate penalty upon those who kill, is justice served? The suffering, current and future, of the murderer is over. Death can be a relief to one who is racked with guilt. And when it comes to one who does not feel guilt, can they feel anything? Even a fear of death? The death penalty is not about justice, it is about revenge. Now, bear in mind, I do not necessarily consider this a bad thing. Revenge can be noble in its own way. But it needs to be done right, and for the right reasons if it is to be done. Society cannot seek vengeance for her. It would be a cold and empty sort of revenge. Society felt for her, some may have cried for her as I did, and as I am sure you did. But I did not nurse her, I did not spend sleepless nights next to her bed when she was sick, I did not watch her as she grew, I did not have dreams of her growing up, marrying, and living a happy life. The right of revenge, if such a thing exists, belongs to the one or the ones who did all those things. Am I advocating handing the mother the weapon of her choice, and letting her do as she will with the killer? In a sense, yes, I am. Do I think this is civilized, or a good thing? No, not really, but at least it would be honest, and real. If someone killed one of my children, could I end their life? Could I draw their blood, and gain some sense of closure from it? Well, initially, if I were there at the moment it happened, I have no doubt I could. With the scene there in front of me, rage, and sorrow would probably allow me to do things to another that I cannot even imagine of as I sit here and type right now. But later, in the sterile setting of a court room, or a police station, I cant say what I might be able to do. But it should be MY choice. The dead are no longer here to speak for what they would wish. Those who were closest to them should have the say in what happens. The cold and impersonal rituals of an execution chamber are not a fitting revenge, nor are they justice. The only one who has the right to pull that switch is the one who was hurt the most by the one sitting in the chair. If they wish it, they should be the one to do it. If they do not wish it, no other person should be allowed, or made to do it. Some things are simply too personal to be handled by beaurocracy.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

The Innocence Project has freed enough wrongfully convicted men to convince me that we're not sharp enough to make capital punishment worth the risk.

Given how many have been freed, it makes me wonder how many who are still on death row who are innocent and simply can't prove it.

Anita Alvarez turns up the heat in her battle with Northwesterns David Protess and his Medill Innocence Project - Chicago magazine - February 2010 - Chicago

Food for thought sir. The IP may have noble goals, but it's also got it's share of... doubt.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

Well, I'm new here on the forums, and not sure this is the best way to start this out, but I'm going to go for it. forgive the length of the post. Several years ago, a friend of mine, who is a police officer, was involved in a case involving the murder of a little girl by the boyfriend of the child's mother. He was caught, confessed, and was sentenced to life in prison for the crime. My friend, is in an area without the death penalty, and not a huge supporter of it, but having seen the child's body, and being involved so closely in the case, he was very torn on the subject. I, being the opinionated wench that I am, am not torn on the subject. I am going to just copy and paste the letter I wrote to him about it. It kinda sums up my thoughts. Forgive me for not rewriting it into a more proper reply, but this seemed easiest, and I am also a lazy wench.

I'm glad the man who did this to her will pay for his crime. I know there is nothing that could be done to him (even what you would like to do to him) which will bring this child back, nor that will possibly be enough to make up for what he did. Can a lifetime in prison make up for it? Of course it cant. Can killing him (as is what would most likely happen here) make up for it? No, that wont do it either. An eye for an eye, or a life for a life, is easy to say, but in the end it accomplishes little, and lessens all of us. You know I dont believe in life after death, so I dont believe in any kind of judgement after death, nor do I believe people will pay for their sins, or be rewarded for their good, after they pass, so justice, such as it is, must be eked out in this life, or it never will be. If society were to decide to deal the ultimate penalty upon those who kill, is justice served? The suffering, current and future, of the murderer is over. Death can be a relief to one who is racked with guilt. And when it comes to one who does not feel guilt, can they feel anything? Even a fear of death? The death penalty is not about justice, it is about revenge. Now, bear in mind, I do not necessarily consider this a bad thing. Revenge can be noble in its own way. But it needs to be done right, and for the right reasons if it is to be done. Society cannot seek vengeance for her. It would be a cold and empty sort of revenge. Society felt for her, some may have cried for her as I did, and as I am sure you did. But I did not nurse her, I did not spend sleepless nights next to her bed when she was sick, I did not watch her as she grew, I did not have dreams of her growing up, marrying, and living a happy life. The right of revenge, if such a thing exists, belongs to the one or the ones who did all those things. Am I advocating handing the mother the weapon of her choice, and letting her do as she will with the killer? In a sense, yes, I am. Do I think this is civilized, or a good thing? No, not really, but at least it would be honest, and real. If someone killed one of my children, could I end their life? Could I draw their blood, and gain some sense of closure from it? Well, initially, if I were there at the moment it happened, I have no doubt I could. With the scene there in front of me, rage, and sorrow would probably allow me to do things to another that I cannot even imagine of as I sit here and type right now. But later, in the sterile setting of a court room, or a police station, I cant say what I might be able to do. But it should be MY choice. The dead are no longer here to speak for what they would wish. Those who were closest to them should have the say in what happens. The cold and impersonal rituals of an execution chamber are not a fitting revenge, nor are they justice. The only one who has the right to pull that switch is the one who was hurt the most by the one sitting in the chair. If they wish it, they should be the one to do it. If they do not wish it, no other person should be allowed, or made to do it. Some things are simply too personal to be handled by beaurocracy.

I agree with what you said for the most part. If someone killed someone or harmed them in some other way (rape, torture etc.) I would probably want to skin them alive, and this isn't just figure of speech. Usually, I'm not crazy about the site of blood or serious injuries but in certain circumstances I'm sure I could handle it. Some people disgust me. Rapists and murderers should endure extreme pain before given the release of death.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

What do republicans and Nazi's have to do with this? Please grow up.

That's right Mr. Righty!! Tow the line and kiss the ass of thyne own party!
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

I'm not willing to throw out the death penalty because we don't have a flawless system.

Laws had to be made at the federal level to keep your state from executing mentally retarded people. I would say this fact alone should automatically, and permenantly ban Texas from exeucting anything more dangerous than a search warrant.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

We are sorry and give them money

You're sorry? An innocent man/woman died so a bunch barbarians could have revenge and you have the sheer, unmitigated NERVE to say "We're sorry"?

That isn't good enough. When an innocent man is executed ... those responsible for it, judges, prosecutors, ect ... need to be executed. This will make it VERY difficult to sentence another to die. It will also provide justice to the families of those wrongfully executed persons.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

You're sorry? An innocent man/woman died so a bunch barbarians could have revenge and you have the sheer, unmitigated NERVE to say "We're sorry"?

That isn't good enough. When an innocent man is executed ... those responsible for it, judges, prosecutors, ect ... need to be executed. This will make it VERY difficult to sentence another to die. It will also provide justice to the families of those wrongfully executed persons.

an interesting claim

now if a parole board frees a convict and that convict kills again should the parole board be executed? what if a judge lets a mope walk on a 'technicality" and the mope kills?

If a prosecutor knows the defendant is innocent and obtains a death sentence you might have a point. Same with a judge. But you are engaging in fantasy thinking that this happens in the vast majority of the cases. Witnesses lie or witnesses are mistaken. Juries can be wrong.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

How is Texas any more corrupt than any other state? What gives you the right to call them all rednecks? Seriously, your stereotypes are irritating and immature.

Texas, like most of the south, has a long history of corruption, bloodlust, and systematic abuse whenever it suited them. Don't believe me? Read the story of the civil rights marchers who were assulted in the south WHILE THE SOUTHERN AUTHORITIES WATCHED AND DID NOTHING (SOME PARTICIPATED). As a result, Texas, and most of the south cannot be trusted to fairly handle a trial.

In Texas, EVERYTHING is a captiol crime execept the mistakes (wrongful convictions and wrongful execution) of the governing authorities. This is unacceptable and is ABSOLUTE cause to strip Texas of the right to conduct its own legal affairs.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

Texas, like most of the south, has a long history of corruption, bloodlust, and systematic abuse whenever it suited them. Don't believe me? Read the story of the civil rights marchers who were assulted in the south WHILE THE SOUTHERN AUTHORITIES WATCHED AND DID NOTHING (SOME PARTICIPATED). As a result, Texas, and most of the south cannot be trusted to fairly handle a trial.

In Texas, EVERYTHING is a captiol crime execept the mistakes (wrongful convictions and wrongful execution) of the governing authorities. This is unacceptable and is ABSOLUTE cause to strip Texas of the right to conduct its own legal affairs.

Vader as usual is up to his same old lies and deception. Until you can back up your claims enjoy living the world of fiction.
 
Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

texas, like most of the south, has a long history of corruption, bloodlust, and systematic abuse whenever it suited them. Don't believe me? Read the story of the civil rights marchers who were assulted in the south while the southern authorities watched and did nothing (some participated). As a result, texas, and most of the south cannot be trusted to fairly handle a trial.

In texas, everything is a captiol crime execept the mistakes (wrongful convictions and wrongful execution) of the governing authorities. This is unacceptable and is absolute cause to strip texas of the right to conduct its own legal affairs.
Read the following as if it were all caps:

Hello!!! Is anyone in there?!!?
 
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Re: Texas Inmates Likely to Be Exonerated After Committee Discovers Wrongful Convicti

an interesting claim

now if a parole board frees a convict and that convict kills again should the parole board be executed? what if a judge lets a mope walk on a 'technicality" and the mope kills?

If a prosecutor knows the defendant is innocent and obtains a death sentence you might have a point. Same with a judge. But you are engaging in fantasy thinking that this happens in the vast majority of the cases. Witnesses lie or witnesses are mistaken. Juries can be wrong.

No it's not. Mistakes happen... innocent people spend 27 years in prison or die on the table ... but that's a mistake and those responsible shouldn't be held accountable for the blood on their hands ... sure.... maybe you think this is ok ... but I do not.

If an innocent man is executed, those responsible (the judge and the prosecutors) need to face the same punishment.. Then than punishment needs to be commuted to life in prison without parole or visitation from family members.
 
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