[marajade]

If each state was allowed to decide whether or not the death penalty was legal the crime in those states where it wasn't would dramatically rise.

[okie01]

"If each state was allowed to decide whether or not the death penalty was legal the crime in those states where it wasn't would dramatically rise."

Uh, each state has already been allowed to decide whether or not the death penalty is legal. Some got it. Some don't.

And no pansy-ass "43 member countries from the European continent" are going to tell Texas how to run its justice system.

[Dan from Michigan]

It's already a state issue for the most part. I do think it should be banned on the federal level(outside of treason and similar offenses ie John Walker), because
1. I don't trust the feds to have that power.
2. Religious reasons(I view John Walker as a self-defense measure more than anything else).

Certain states I know ban the death penalty. Michigan for one. Michigan was in fact the first western govt to end the death penalty since an innocent person was hung.

[cruiserman]

If each state was allowed to decide whether or not the death penalty was legal the crime in those states where it wasn't would dramatically rise.

I'm confused. I thought each state has decided whether or not to impose the death penalty.