Death Penalty

The death penalty has become a very important issue to me, although when I consider political candidates their position on the death penalty does not rank high in whether or not I may support or vote for them. Issues like foreign policy, education, and health care are more important to determining who I may or may not support or vote for.

During the Texas State Democratic Convention I attended the Democrats Against the Death Penalty Caucus. The thing that struck me the most about this particular meeting was the stories and emotions that were shared, and the stark contrast from what you here from proponents of the death penalty. When people her are for the death penalty speak there is anger and indignation in there voices in their opinions, but when you her people who are against the death penalty speak there is sorrow and empathy in their voices.

Reverend Carroll Pickett spoke at length about his experience as chaplain of the death house in Huntsville. After watching 95 men be put to death, Pickett has become a death penalty abolition advocate, and there has been a documentary made about his life: At The Death House Door. To listen to someone who has watched several people be put to death speak about the death penalty is very powerful.

The mother of Joseph Nichols, Leeatriss Greenwood, also spoke. Her son was executed last year for the murder committed by Willie Williams under the “law of parties.” She spoke about her ordeal, a journey that has lasted almost three decades. This reminds you that the death penalty creates more victims. Not only are the families of those who are murdered are victimized, but the families of those that are executed for those murders are victimized.

The view of most Texans on the death penalty is quite clear: the majority of Texans favor the death penalty.

According to the Sam Houston State College of Criminal Justice Survey Research Program the view of the death penalty in Texas has remained relatively constant; with support at 80% in 2001 and at 74% in 2007 (the 6% difference did not transfer to those who opposed the death penalty but rather to the “Don’t Know” category). Although, the overall view of the state justice system has fallen from 67% in 1998 to 48% in 2007.

This latest study shows several interesting statistics and you can draw several interest conclusions. Next week I will be sharing some of my conclusions on the statistics on the public opinions of Texans on the death penalty.