Maryland's Death Penalty - It's time to discuss giving it up (WAPost wants to end DP in MD)

Washington Post ^

[Princip. Conservative]

THE MARYLAND COURT of Appeals has thrown a big wrench into the state's already anemic death penalty enforcement. It ruled last week that Maryland's procedures for lethal injection were adopted without adequate legislative oversight. With that ruling, which will effectively halt executions until new procedures are adopted, the Maryland court joined what is fast becoming a national trend. Earlier this month, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) halted executions there after a botched lethal injection took over half an hour. A court in California blocked use of that state's execution cocktail. Nationally, there have been fewer executions this year than in any in the past decade -- and delays associated with challenges to lethal-injection protocols, which are now said to cause significant pain, constitute one of the reasons for the low figure.

For those of us who oppose capital punishment, any public debate that slows the wheels of death is a good thing. That said, this issue seems more than a little absurd. Leaving aside the technicalities of Maryland administrative law, it is a little tough to understand why states that have no scruples about killing people as punishment for their crimes might blanch at a brief period of discomfort for the condemned along the way. This is, after all, the intentional infliction of death; why should anyone expect it to be pretty? The sudden scruples around the country about the fact that taking human life may actually involve pain can only be understood as a surrogate for the real issue: whether Americans want to be taking life at all.

[Princip. Conservative]

As it always does, the Washington Post is showing its true colors. This is one of the biggest reasons I supported Bob Ehrlich for a second term, because I hoped he would stop this nonsense. But with a liberal Democrat replacing his shoes, it's hard to imagine the death penalty going anywhere in Maryland for a while.

I'm much more optimistic about California and Florida, because of the GOP governors there, but Maryland - *sigh*

Trust the Washington Post to do everything in their power to slow the wheels of justice.

[kinoxi]

It wouldn't surprise me if they tried to give inmates the right to vote here. The Ehrlich defeat will be felt for years IMO.

[lazypadawan]

Let's watch the violent crimes in MD skyrocket.

I'm always amazed at liberals who worry about murderers not feeling any pain when they're executed but couldn't care less about fetuses feeling anything while they're being "choiced" to death. Or, for that matter, forgetting that the murder victim in all likelihood didn't die a nice, neat painless death either.

[Spok]

I used to support the death penalty but the courts have allowed litigation and senseless appeals to get so out of hand that it truly is no longer fair. Until it can be promptly and consistently applied, it should be ended. Another example of the government applying the FUBAR principle to an otherwise good idea.

[Patrick1]

When was the last time Maryland executed anyone?

[NapkinUser]

The Washington Post has been shilling for getting rid of the death penalty for a while now. Nothing to see here.

[Vigilanteman]

Well, I think the DC sniper did some freelance executions just a couple of years ago. Of course, since those executed were merely infidels, the Washington ComPost doesn't consider them worth clemency.

[Patrick1]

True. But my question is how can you give something up you don't do?

[GrandEagle]

I used to support the death penalty
I'm with you but for a different reason. Here in Alabama there have been several Death Row cases where the "guilty" party was cleared by new DNA testing procedures. Granted, it is only a handful, but I would much rather keep folks in prison than I had execute an innocent man - IMHO.
The DA's fought and fought DNA testing. To some extent I can see it - they say there must be closure in a case. On the other hand, if there is a way to know that you have the wrong person, even though convicted, I would welcome that.
Judges suppress and admit evidence that the jury can hear. Also a worthy task, but again subject to abuse by elected judges - especially those with DA ambitions. Too much subjection involved for me to execute a person.
At this point, unless there is NO doubt, It should be eliminated based on "reasonable" doubt.

[OCCASparky]

And with all the procedures, etc., in place, do you have how many have been shown to be falsely executed since 1977?

(Hint: None.)

[ustanker]

Couple years back under Erhlich. It was sweet! But with the liberal scumbag in there now those days are over. Baltimore broke another homicide record. And its where The gov. elec was mayor. the people who voted for this moron deserve the tax increases that are coming our way.

[Vigilanteman]

Well, there was always the celebrated Virginia case of Roger Coleman. But,wait, the post execution evidence showed he was guilty, again, didn't it? Nevermind. < / sarcasm >

[WideGlide]

Let's watch the violent crimes in MD skyrocket.

Don't worry. We've got Mayor O'Malleable to protect us. He did such a great job on Baltimore (that's Body-more to the indigenous) that now he can hardly wait to do the same thing to the entire State. I just hope I can get my house sold for a decent price and get to the other side of the Catoctin Mountains before O'Malley's magic starts working.

[Uncledave]

"Discuss" = do what we say.

[relictele]

When was the last time Maryland executed anyone?

Well, they Baltimore Sun has tried to lynch any and all Republican politicians for some time now....

[relictele]

they = the

[GrandEagle]

DNA testing is not done (as far as I know) on executed folks.
What I do know is that we imprisoned several folks on death row and days before their execution was to be carried out the DNA evidence proved their innocence.
Given this, it is not unreasonable to think that we have executed those who were innocent.
I don't disagree that it is probably a very few, but for me, even one is too many.
I will return the question to you. Of those executed since 1977, how many were innocent?
(Hint) you can speculate - but you have no way on knowing.

I've been on both the grand jury and a regular jury. I can assure you that "justice" is very frequently random depending on all sorts of circumstances. Things like how close it is to Mardi Gras, the weekend, etc, have a great deal of influence on how easily swayed some jurors are.
It is very easy to sit back and say "hang the *$%#@*".
Since it is far easier to say "oops", and let the guy out than it is to resurrect him from the dead, if there is any doubt - I'd rather just keep them in jail. it's cheaper and relatively reversible.

[WideGlide]

When was the last time Maryland executed anyone?

Shhheee it.....Dey be executin' evey day up in Bodymore, and a cuppa times a munph down in PeeGee.

[Vision]

Since a radical is now the Governor with a friendly house and senate, I would be surprised if the death penalty is not prohibited. I also expect gay marriage, some kind of a handgun ban, huge surge in illegals, diversity specialists, and corruption like the country has never seen- basically Maryland will become like Baltimore, one of the worst cities in America- with new high taxes to pay for it all.

I wonder if it's time to leave.

[Smokin' Joe]

Move their offices into P.G. County, and let's wait for the reconsideration.

If the concern is one of causing lingering pain, the firing squad was known to be fast and efficient.

Mayhap that should replace 'better dying through modern chemistry'.