Prosecutors Probing Mo. Man's Execution

[Eugene]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5136845,00.html

Prosecutors Probing Mo. Man's Execution

Wednesday July 13, 2005 12:46 AM

By BETSY TAYLOR

Associated Press Writer

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Citing grave concerns that Missouri executed an
innocent man, a coalition that includes a congressman, high-profile
lawyers and even the victim's family pointed to evidence Tuesday that
they said could clear Larry Griffin's name.

Prosecutors have decided to reopen the case of Griffin, who was
convicted in 1981 in the murder of Quintin Moss, a 19-year-old drug
dealer who was shot to death. Griffin maintained his innocence to the
end, but was put to death in 1995.

Now, many people, including some members of Moss' family, believe him.

"What I have heard recently is very troubling and leads me to believe
an innocent man was executed for this murder, while the real killers
have not been brought to justice," said Rep. William Lacy Clay,
D-Mo., who spoke at a news conference Tuesday with other supporters
of Griffin.

more...


Cases like this are why I am unconditionally against
the death penalty.

[mtnester]

1. I am with you....ONE that is questionable in any way is too many

and, I don't think we should be the the business of judging, especially when it comes to taking lives. Now, lock em up and throw away the key, take the posh out of it, basic caloric intake...THAT is where they should be.

[ovidsen]

2. Me too!

The death penalty is such a poor exercise in justice. Even one mistaken execution is one too many. I prefer the company of Canada, the UK, France and Israel to China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.

Lock 'em up, give 'em food, water, a warm place to sh*t... but don't kill 'em, okay?

[American in Asia]

3. Me three...

[silvershadow]

4. Absolutely tragic.

But I am not surprised. I am sure there have been far more innocents put to death than anyone realizes. I have never understood how the death penalty is different in the eyes of the law than murder. Life in prison with no possibility for parole is the way to go. Too many mistakes can be made during investigations, hearings, court proceedings etc.

[DemBeans]

6. agreed

I've never been able to reconcile telling society that if you commit the crime of murder, the state will murder you in return.

Of course, there are many other arguments against the death penalty - the OP is a good one - but I've never gotten past this basic contradiction. Either murder is wrong, or it isn't - it can't be both ways.

[lumberjack_jeff]

5. The point that is often lost...

Is that there's a 1:1 relationship between one who is falsely convicted and a true criminal walking free. It's not just unjust from the standpoint of the falsely accused, it's also unjust from the standpoint of the victim.

Once a convict is executed - the search for justice ends. Evidence is destroyed and no further legal inquiry occurs.

Our justice system is imperfect. God forbid I ever have to face a jury in which half (statistically) voted for GW.