I have had a visceral opposition to the death penalty since I was a very small child

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24. Very easy to do away with the chances of executing innocents. Change the law.

Dot allow prosecutors to grandstand for the public by seeking the DP for any killing. Save the DP for what it should be used for; the most vile murders. And restrict it to those cases where there is no doubt as to the guilt of the accused. We all know of many cases like that. no more "beyond reasonable doubt". The Atlanta courthouse shooter comes to mind. There is NO DOUBT that this is the guy. There are plenty of cases like that. No circumstantial evidence, or voice anylysis or blood spatter, etc. Plenty of cases where the guy is red handed. Otherwise, no DP..If its not a deterrent then why do so many plead guilty to avoid it? It costs so much because of endless appeals for reasons having nothing to do with innocence. Just had a case in my area last year where the reason for the appeal was poor representation. Ok, I could see that. But it was filed 25 years after the case. Why did it take so long? Because they file single appeals and line them up purposely to take forever.
On the other hand, I think of Scott Peterson. We all know that case. I'm pretty sure he killed his wives. But thats not enough for the DP. There isnt a "smoking gun". Its all circumstantial. I wouldnt even put OJ on death row.
I know I'll never change anyones mind here, but thats my .02.