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DP - Abstract & Real

DP - Abstract & Real. The Abstract Death Penalty: Only the “worst of the worst” accused murderers are selected for capital punishment. Clear evidence of guilt is required for a death sentence - beyond any doubt (virtually no mistakes). DP - Abstract & Real.

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DP - Abstract & Real

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  1. DP - Abstract & Real The Abstract Death Penalty: Only the “worst of the worst” accused murderers are selected for capital punishment. Clear evidence of guilt is required for a death sentence - beyond any doubt (virtually no mistakes).

  2. DP - Abstract & Real Fair Trial "super due process" -- guaranteed by the Constitution and ensured in practice by the US Supreme Court. Second separate penalty phase of trials to further ensure fairness ("bifurcation").

  3. DP - Abstract & Real Elaborate (and long!) appeals process to guarantee fairness, prevent execution of innocent. Extensive final review by Governor/Pardons Board/etc (varies from state to state).

  4. DP - Abstract & Real Rationales and Legitimation: "They deserve it" -- and it keeps them from killing again (and again). Execution is a deterrent to other potential killers.

  5. DP - Abstract & Real Execution costs less than long-term imprisonment. Overall, capital punishment is good efficient social policy.

  6. DP - Abstract & Real The Real Death Penalty: Defendants with the worst lawyers are selected, often not the “worst of the worst” accused murderers.

  7. DP - Abstract & Real Incompetent defense attorneys, shoddy trials, and weak evidence are typical in DP cases. Ineffective appeals process (basically limited to process issues, not substantive issues). Final review -- mostly a farce (because of the politics of the DP).

  8. DP - Abstract & Real Overall result is a system riddled with discrimination, mistakes, and other problems. Very few prisoners on death row are accused of repeat offenses. Discrimination is rampant in death sentencing (minorities accused of killing white victims).

  9. DP - Abstract & Real Numerous innocent people are convicted and sentenced to death (and some are executed). Executions are not a deterrent (evidence indicates that executions cause additional homicides).

  10. DP - Abstract & Real The Death Penalty costs much more than alternatives, not less (mainly because of the cost of trials, not the cost of appeals). Overall, capital punishment is an unfair, inefficient, and costly social policy. A “broken system”

  11. DP - Abstract & Real Comment: Opinion vs. Knowledge Are you “for it” or “against it”? vs. Do you know anything at all about it?

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