Race and Class
Looking at the cases of David Keaton or Anthony Porter, it certainly seems that the death penalty is not equally applied, at least from these Illinois cases. Both men were wrongly accused of crimes that they did not commit and came close to being killed for them. Statistically, more low- income people, or people of color are more likely to receive the Death Penalty. This fact for people of low income is probably a result of poor defense. A lawyer provided by the state is likely not to have any real experience for Death Row cases therefore having inadequate knowledge to defend their client. People that do not have enough money for sometimes basic living most often cannot afford the hefty fees that come with employing top attorneys. As well I can understand why race has a large impact on decisions. I think there is a hidden racism that is still present in the minds of certain people that blacks are of a lower class status than whites, and have a reputation for being violent. Therefore, a judge could make his decision arbitrarily based upon the fact the he values the life of a white man more that that of one who is black. I dont' think that there should be any excuse for our justice system not to be color blind, separating personal opinions from the law is the job of the justices system, not to impose their beliefs upon a trial.
Law and Politics
There are currently over 3,000 men and women sentenced to death in the United States. Approximately 65 percent of American voters approve of the death penalty in states where capital punishment is legal. Since the foundation of this country I believe there have been many different definitions of justice. For some people such as the 65% this means capurting a criminal, and making sure they cannot victimize someone else again. But why doesn't this propsition end at the death ? There is also a feeling among the public that crims must be met with equal punishiment. Like hamurabis code, and eye for an eye, life for a life.
( Why do you think the death penalty is so widely supported in this country? What forces do you think shape public opinion on the death penalty?)
I love some of your titles to your posts Emma, especially the one below this one. Also, some clear opinions but work to support them with more details and specifics. In essence, the clarity that you write with in your posts is great and interesting, but they need more to be fully realized to reach the full potential of what this blog can be for you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, are you going to begin posting on your outside reading soon?