Re: Capital punishment
 

It's a difficult debate.

Just when you think there is a case for capital punishment, you then hear of a miscarriage and someone is released 15years after their conviction.

That is the worry.

I think there is a case for capital punishment, but only for certain terrible crimes crimes and only then after a long period on "death row".

Re: Capital punishment
 

Would vote under the new options, but being told I cannot :erm: .

Re: Capital punishment
 

I'll take that as an invitation to edit then. :)

Everybody please note, I have re-set the poll scores to zero as I have changed the options available.

If the poll won't let you vote a second time, 'quote' me in the thread with your preference and I can alter the score for you manually.

Re: Capital punishment
 

No, never

is my vote. Hope I did that right.

Re: Capital punishment
 

With the improvements in forensic evidence gathering the opportunities for miscarriages of justice is constantly reducing.

IMO the criteria is simple if your a rapist, a serial killer, or you preplan a murder for personal monetary gain you hang for it when your caught.

If the authorities can't prove this comprehensively then lock them up for a "full life" sentence, not the current Micky mouse out in 8 years lark.

I voted yes.

Re: Capital punishment
 

Put me down for 'murder' plz...........if you get my meaning :erm:

Re: Capital punishment
 

Chris, would you stick me down for the 2nd option please murder and other limited crimes, it wont let me vote again :(

cheers

Re: Capital punishment
 

There are only 3 votes is this right?

Re: Capital punishment
 

I re-set the counters to zero when I changed the poll options, but vB won't allow people to vote a second time even if the poll is changed.

I have now added scores for:
Ramrod-option 1
Stu-option 2
AndrewJames-option 3

Re: Capital punishment
 

Can you add me for No Never, thanks

Re: Capital punishment
 

:tu: Thanks mate.

Re: Capital punishment
 

Done :)

Re: Capital punishment
 

Thanks

Re: Capital punishment
 

well im all up for it but get the nagging thought that if im found in a room of dead people with blood all over me and a mad look in my eye im gonna be killed and i would hate that as i may not of done it you gotta be pretty sure they done it and u cant always do that .....


but i am all up for harsher punishment while i am no prison expert the days of hard labour seem to be gone

Re: Capital punishment
 

I fear the issue is not one of should we have capital punishment, more of the increasingly do-gooder attitude to sentencing and more worryingly parole.

If a life sentence meant life imprisonment, there would be a serious message sent out to the gun culture criminal fraternity. That might make them think that the risks were too great and so desist from bahaviour. When however they get a life, or indeed any other sentence but know the "with good behaviour" they can get out with only a small portion of the penalty served, the deterrent risk of sentencing is not there. OK, so strong sentencing woudl stop the impulse, crimes of passion, and the like but it still sends out a stong message. The punishment needs to fit the crime.

The parole system should be reversed. A sentence given is the minimum term. Additional time is added for rule breaking. Yes that would cause a problem for behaviour of lifers, who now have no incentive. The change requires a fundamental rethink of sentencing policy.

As ever we run the risks of miscarriages of justice, and thus I do not beleive it is safe, or ever will be safe despite ever improving forensic science, for us to have a death penalty. If a miscarriage occurs you can give someone back the remainder of their life, if they are still around, but not if society has sanctioned their execution. We have to be very very certain of our ground.