Death penalty juries?

[awa355]

What a circus this jury selection is proving to be.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news...ectid=11391814

If you had to show up for a trial that could result in the death penalty if found guilty, would it affect your attitude to serving on the jury?

Not sure where I stand on this one. In kiwiland, if there was the death penalty, the culprit would likely die of old age before all the appeals had run their course.

[Akzle]

i abhor jew-ry service, or participation of any kind in the crowngaroo court system.

but if i could choose to have every crown agent in the building executed...

[jasonu]

In kiwiland, if there was the death penalty, the culprit would likely die of old age before all the appeals had run their course.

That is often the case here too.
In Oregon (where I live) Governor John Kitzhaber refuses to allow executions as it is against his personal beliefs even though it is one of the duties he as an elected official should be undertaking. Generally the state governor is the last person to either OK or stop the execution. In most cases, by the time it gets to the governors desk the case has been proven and most governors give the go ahead.

[Hitcher]

Civilised societies generally favour a system of justice over a system of revenge.

[ellipsis]

Civilised societies generally favour a system of justice over a system of revenge.

...which neither of seem to work that well...

[Moi]

Execution is final, there is no chance for innocence to be proved later due to whatever might have happened in the court. Think about the number of cases in the last few years where a person has been found guilty and jailed and later to be found to be innocence... especially in the US.

[jasonu]

Civilised societies generally favour a system of justice over a system of revenge.

If someone was proven to have murdered and raped a member of your family I am pretty sure you would develop a different attitude.

[bogan]

If someone was proven to have murdered and raped a member of your family I am pretty sure you would develop a different attitude.

In that order?

[mossy1200]

Thread has red rep written all over it.
As far as OP goes idd rather not be on the jury even if its a 100% guilty without any doubts.
Idd hate the thought of developing a change of opinion later in life about penalty.

[mashman]

...which neither of seem to work that well...

Rehabilitation or the gallows?

[jasonu]

In that order?

Sometimes...it's been known to happen.

[Akzle]

the last human hanged in nz was later pardoned.

Ironing.

[mashman]

the last human hanged in nz was later pardoned.

Ironing.

He was framed.

[Hitcher]

If someone was proven to have murdered and raped a member of your family I am pretty sure you would develop a different attitude.

Really? Why would you think that?

[mstriumph]

Civilised societies generally favour a system of justice over a system of revenge.

'Justice' is not a concept set in stone. I don't take issue with your equating the death penalty with 'revenge', although that's just your viewpoint ... however, it's a little sweeping to imply that one has to eschew execution to be considered 'civilised' (another moveable feast).

My personal opinion is that, either way, I shouldn't be forced to pay for it. Perhaps, were imprisonment less permissive, it would be more of a deterrent to potential offenders and less expensive (and therefore more attractive) to those paying for it.

It'd like to see a system where all costs involved in trial, appeals, imprisonment, etc were payable by an offender found guilty ... I'd like an account established for each prisoner where taxpayers can CHOOSE to have a small portion of their dues diverted if they disagree with the death penalty and where private individuals and other sponsors can contribute towards the offender's expenses.

Once the money runs out, the death penalty is enacted.

I had a little look for pros and cons on line ... the following is quite amusing http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view....stionID=001000