It makes you wonder about what exactly is the "lower limit" for considering the death penalty. How bad, ruthless, or callous regarding human life must the convicted be to merit the death penalty. The mian thing that bothers me in cases like this is, if the judge's family or loved one had been the victim(s), would the judge have been as particular about the criteria. Some time ago, I had a conversation with a friend who is quite against the death penalty. I put forth a scenario very horrific and graphic of a murder. I asked if he would still not consider a death sentence in the given situation; he said he would not consider adeath penalty. I then reiterated the scenarion placing a dear family member of his as the victim; his opinion immediately changed. It is amazing how minds can be changed when the harm is happening to them...
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