Representative Vernon Smith has introduced HB 1421 which would impose a moratorium on the death penalty through July 1, 2012; and establish a 15 member commission to study the death penalty and make recommendations prior to January 1, 2012.
As an initial matter, I do not like the legislation because it has a “findings” section. I don’t like legislation that makes proclamations. I want nuts & bolts language that tells me who gets to do what to whom and under what circumstances.
But, I can get along with its premise well enough. Personally, I have no opposition to the general philosophy of the death penalty. Certain actions are bad enough that they should result in the forfeiture of one’s life. As implemented, however, I do have concerns. It seems like there is a non-trivial risk of convicting the wrong person of a capital crime. That needs to be fixed.
That said, I predict this legislation is going nowhere.
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