Crime Subcommittee Hearing Thursday on Death Penalty Legislation
Crime Subcommittee Hearing Thursday on Death Penalty Legislation: Does it Deter Crime and Save Lives?
The Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security will meet today at 1:00pm to hold a hearing on Death Penalty Legislation. The hearing is entitled: Does an Accurate and Swift Death Penalty Deter Crimes and Save Lives? A Legislative Hearing on H.R. 3060, the "Terrorist Death Penalty Enhancement Act of 2005," and H.R. 3035, the "Streamlined Procedures Act of 2005"
The hearing will be immediately followed by Subcommittee Markup of H.R. 1751, the "Secure Access to Justice and Court Protection Act of 2005."
Following is some background on these hearings from U.S. Newswire
The death penalty's deterrent effect on crime and ability to protect innocent lives continues to be debated. One journalist reviewing available data has pointed out, "(a)lmost the entire drop in murder rates over the past decade has occurred in States with capital punishment, with the biggest decrease seen in States that are executing people." Despite opponents' claims, data suggests that our appellate and habeas system for review has been effective in identifying and ultimately rectifying errors at the trial and appellate levels - errors which encompass a variety of reasons other than claims of actual innocence.These Bills Will...
-- Allow the death penalty for any terrorist who in the course of committing a terrorist offense engages in conduct that results in the death of a person.
-- Reform and streamline death penalty procedures to ensure that those found guilty do not abuse the criminal justice system.
Read the full release.
Posted by beth at 11:17 AM
