I also agree with the concept of the Death Penalty.
However, the implementation needs serious work. I do not think any one should get the death penalty based only on "eyewitnesses". They have been proven wrong too many times.
For someone to be sentenced to death there needs to be actual scientific evidence (DNA is only one example) that links the person with the crime.
Witnesses can be wrong
witnesses can be bullied by the DA to testify with more confidence then is warrented
witnesses can have agendas
Since there is no way to determine how "good" a witness is, I would have a hard time recommending to a judge the death penalty if all the DA has is "witnesses".
Reasonable doubt should not enter when considering the death penalty.
What could be worse then a society that unjustly kills an innocent person? At least when they are in jail there is a chance for new evidence to help make things right.
After an innocent person is killed, all we have is the witness saying "oh sorry. My bad. I "thought" he looked like the criminal."
If there is compelling scientific evidence than I am still a supporter of the Death Penalty.
|