No matter what your feelings may be on the death penalty, there is no doubt that the issue has long been one that is highly divisive in America. Oppponents say it's "cruel and unusual punishment," that it's barbaric. Supporters say it's a good way to prevent violent criminals from re-offending. It's been a controversial topic for many years, and now it's entirely possible that the fate of the death penalty may hinge upon one high profile case, that of Damien Echols.
The man has been on Arkanasas' Death Row for 15 of his 34 years, and there's a distinct possiblity that he's not guilty of the crime of which he was convicted. Opponents of the death penalty say that the Echols case could bring about the end of capital punishment as we know it in this country. In November, his attorneys announced that new DNA testing, performed by an independent laboratory, showed no physical evidence whatsoever that Echols was at the scene of the crime -- not only that, but DNA was found connecting to one of the victims' stepfathers, Terry Hobbs. Reports say that Hobbs is now being interviewed by police. Earlier in December, a rally was held at the Arkansas state house, asking governor Mike Beebe to grant Echols a new trial.
The man has been on Arkanasas' Death Row for 15 of his 34 years, and there's a distinct possiblity that he's not guilty of the crime of which he was convicted. Opponents of the death penalty say that the Echols case could bring about the end of capital punishment as we know it in this country. In November, his attorneys announced that new DNA testing, performed by an independent laboratory, showed no physical evidence whatsoever that Echols was at the scene of the crime -- not only that, but DNA was found connecting to one of the victims' stepfathers, Terry Hobbs. Reports say that Hobbs is now being interviewed by police. Earlier in December, a rally was held at the Arkansas state house, asking governor Mike Beebe to grant Echols a new trial.
Yes, I’m sure there are a few innocent people sitting on death row (or who have already died). DNA testing wasn’t around 15, 20, 30 years ago. Now that it is, courts are being overloaded with appeals demanding DNA tests.
I’m glad that appeals courts are giving some people on death row the chance to prove their innocence – doesn’t change the fact that there’s not enough room for the multiple violent offenders, and they should be rendered unable to do any more harm than they’ve already done.
I will grant that the death penalty is neither a deterrant, not appropriate punishment.
What it is, however, is the one absolute gaurantee that the convicted party will never again harm another person. While regrettable, it is an important option to leave open to the courts.
That said, it is severe and irreversable. That means that you can use it, but you can never be WRONG
It is about time WM3 got a fair trial. It is horrendous to think that, because you are a young person who wears rock t-shirts and like to read about occult subjects means that you are a murderer.
Back when he was arrested and tried for the crime they did not have DNA testing available and it took law enforcement many years after that to learn how to collect the evidence properly so it wouldn’t get contaminated…who is to say that what they tested wasn’t contaminated during collection?
With the technology that we have now it is even more of a reason to keep the death penalty as it easier to prove who did it. I personally do not want to pay to keep someone alive that has committed a crime of violence against society. Many violent offenders continue their violent behavior even in prison…Even though it is harder on deathrow since they are more isolated…it does happen. They are receiving food, clothing, and shelter at my expense…what about all those people that have not committed violent crimes and live out on the street without all those things? I can think of better ways to use those taxes that pay to keep killers alive.