Death Penalty

[il Padrino Ute]

I suspect Il pad wouold find that to be a plus. Moreover, if he was kept in death row conditions he would not be able to do so.

I would find that a plus. One less prisoner that our taxes wouldn't have to support.

I appreciate your answers to my questions. As to the certainty vs. severity of punishment, perhaps with today's science being able to more accurately convict the correct perp, should the death penalty be sentenced, it should be carried out within no less than 7 days, though I would prefer it to be immediately after sentencing. Take 'em out back and do it then and there.

I realize I'm pretty hard line when it comes to the death penalty, but dammit, I don't like my taxes being used to house people that have chosen to be a burden on society.

[statman]

I don't particularly like it, and wouldn't be despondent if it was done away with, but one good thing about it is that the fear of its potential use gets bad people to agree to go to jail for a very long time, instead of going to a trial where the death penalty would be a possible outcome.

I am only in favor of it where the guilt of the person is not in question...

[creekster]

I am only in favor of it where the guilt of the person is not in question...

According to who? Would you require a confession? Or perhaps a 48 Hours Mystery episode where Stone Phillips makes guilt to be very clear would do it? THere is usually a question. Besides, doesnt this seem wholly unfair? the same crime is punished differently becaseu there is enough certainty to convict but not enough to kill? This would also encourage longer and more complex trials. It ouwld be much easier to just say No.

[Green Lantern]

I realize I'm pretty hard line when it comes to the death penalty, but dammit, I don't like my taxes being used to house people that have chosen to be a burden on society.

I feel like that's taking an easy way out. In society, shouldn't we accept that, in return for the benefits we get, part of the burden we must bear is doing everything we can for those less fortunate souls who have made bad choices?

[TripletDaddy]

but dammit, I don't like my taxes being used to house people that have chosen to be a burden on society.

I didn't know you felt so strongly about student dorms at the U.

[Eddie]

I don't have a problem with the death penality per se, but the cost is something that gives me pause.

One question the sentence of life with out parole, what do you do with end of life medical issues? ie organ transplants

Not just end of life - what about other medical issues? Do you treat for cancer or just let them die? It may get to "end of life" - but isn't there yet. Of course, it will get there much more quickly without expensive treatment...

[Donuthole]

Foucault's Discipline and Punish tackles some of these issues in dealing with punishment of the body vs. punishment of the mind; public torture vs. private incarceration, etc.

Even if you only read the beginning, it's great stuff. (those who have read the beginning are agreeing with me)

One of my favorite curriculum-required books from undergrad. I've actually been meaning to pick it up and read it again, as it has been about 8 years.

Also, I can't see Foucault's name without hearing my professor's (mis)pronunciation: "Faux-Co"

[falafel]

I realize I'm pretty hard line when it comes to the death penalty, but dammit, I don't like my taxes being used to house people that have chosen to be a burden on society.

That's interesting, b/c I'm pretty sure that more money is spent on killing someone than is spent on locking them up for life.

[il Padrino Ute]

I didn't know you felt so strongly about student dorms at the U.

The difference between the students at a public university and inmates is that most of the students will be productive members of society. And they also pay a portion of the cost of that housing when they're using it. Inmates are a drain on taxes.

[il Padrino Ute]

That's interesting, b/c I'm pretty sure that more money is spent on killing someone than is spent on locking them up for life.

How much of the cost for an execution is the money spent on appeals and the money spent to house the inmate for the entire time he's on death row.

Let's take the life in prison amount out of the death penalty equation and find out the true cost of an execution.

[falafel]

How much of the cost for an execution is the money spent on appeals and the money spent to house the inmate for the entire time he's on death row.

Let's take the life in prison amount out of the death penalty equation and find out the true cost of an execution.

Most of it, I'm sure. But that's what you have to do when you're contemplating ending a person's life.

[il Padrino Ute]

Most of it, I'm sure. But that's what you have to do when you're contemplating ending a person's life.

I understand that, but I don't accept the argument when it comes from someone, unlike you, who is not honest about the real cost.

[TripletDaddy]

The difference between the students at a public university and inmates is that most of the students will be productive members of society. And they also pay a portion of the cost of that housing when they're using it. Inmates are a drain on taxes.

The next time you are sitting in your driveway drinking a cold brew and comparing license plates with your neighbors, you can thank a prisoner.

Also, you know all that trash and litter all along the I-15? No, you don't. And the reason why is because of all the prisoners that are out on work duty cleaning up.

Go Prisoners!

[il Padrino Ute]

The next time you are sitting in your driveway drinking a cold brew and comparing license plates with your neighbors, you can thank a prisoner.

Also, you know all that trash and litter all along the I-15? No, you don't. And the reason why is because of all the prisoners that are out on work duty cleaning up.

Go Prisoners!

Really? When are they out there picking up litter? I've honestly never seen it.

If they're really out there, good. They need to do more. Lots more.

[PaloAltoCougar]

Really? When are they out there picking up litter? I've honestly never seen it.

If they're really out there, good. They need to do more. Lots more.

In California, most of the litter pick up is by DUI violators who are doing community service. A young friend delights in driving past such work crews and shouting, "Where's your bottle?"