Washington governor places moratorium on death penalties in the state

[ProSense]

Washington governor places moratorium on death penalties in the state

by Jed Lewison

Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee is suspending executions in the state, using his authority to issue reprieves from death sentences:

“Equal justice under the law is the state’s primary responsibility,” Inslee said during a news conference this morning. “And in death penalty cases, I’m not convinced equal justice is being served.”

Inslee said there was “too much at stake” in death penalty cases in what he termed an “imperfect system.”

He said that if a death penalty case crosses his desk for action, he will issue a reprieve.

Inslee won't be issuing pardons nor commutations, but will instead by issuing reprieves, which are essentially stays of execution that leave the underlying sentence in place, so in theory, a new governor could reverse the decisions. Eighteen states ban the death penalty, including six in the last six years.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/02/11/1276796/-Washington-governor-places-moratorium-on-death-penalties-in-the-state

[Aristus]

1. Proud of my governor!

[Rex]

2. It is a case of life and death.

I can only imagine how many innocent people the US has sent to their death in prison. Especially before modern forensics.

[KT2000]

3. Good for him!

Have hardly heard a word from him and then he comes out with this courageous statement.