In a fairly dramatic development in Virginia, a bill to expand the death penalty to include accomplices (those who did not actually pull the trigger) was defeated in a Senate committee. With a new Governor in place who was eager to sign the legislation, the bill was widely expected to pass, despite the fact that such an expansion would have greatly increased the risk of wrongful convictions and wrongful executions.
The drama came when former Virginia executioner Jerry Givens, who took part in 62 executions, testified against the bill. Mr. Givens told the committee how traumatic the execution process is for those enlisted to participate. Afterwards, he told the Washington Post: “The people who pass these bills, they don’t have to do it. The people who do the executions, they’re the ones who suffer through it.”
Support for the death penalty is often inversely proportional to one’s distance from the realities of the process. Those with first-hand experience see how traumatic and degrading it can be, while those on the sidelines cheerlead for more executions comfortable in the knowledge that they will never have to deal directly with the ugly consequences.
Well, I'm glad that Virginia is not gonna turn into another Texas after all. But still, I'm afraid that Martin Grossman is about to be killed in Florida tonight in spite of ignored mitigating evidence. People will think that justice will be served in killing Grossman, but we will not give up. My prayers go to the families of Grossman and his victim Margaret Park. 🙁
Well, I’m glad that Virginia is not gonna turn into another Texas after all. But still, I’m afraid that Martin Grossman is about to be killed in Florida tonight in spite of ignored mitigating evidence. People will think that justice will be served in killing Grossman, but we will not give up. My prayers go to the families of Grossman and his victim Margaret Park. 🙁
I got an e-mail from Gov. Charlie Crist, and it can't be good, so I assumed that he denied Martin Grossman clemency. And now Margaret Park's family got their vengeance in the form of justice satisfied by having Florida execute Grossman and causing his family grief. My heart breaks for both families. What a sad and unjust execution! But no matter what happens, we will not give up! 😥
I got an e-mail from Gov. Charlie Crist, and it can’t be good, so I assumed that he denied Martin Grossman clemency. And now Margaret Park’s family got their vengeance in the form of justice satisfied by having Florida execute Grossman and causing his family grief. My heart breaks for both families. What a sad and unjust execution! But no matter what happens, we will not give up! 😥
Well, I have so-so news that Hank Skinner's execution date has been moved to March 24. This should allow us more time to help him prove his innocence by DNA testing before his time is up.
Well, I have so-so news that Hank Skinner’s execution date has been moved to March 24. This should allow us more time to help him prove his innocence by DNA testing before his time is up.