In 2009, New Mexico joined 14 other states in the U.S. that don't impose death penalty. But it can all change now, with State Rep. Dennis Kintigh pushing to bring it back with the help of people's votes. The current state law for capital punishment can be changed by way of constitutional amendment. It means that if it passes both the House and the Senate, the final decision goes to the voters.
Kintigh said the sentence will only apply to crimes like murder of police officers and children. “I'm totally against the death penalty, but I do think the people should decide,” said Kintigh. “There are criminals who will think twice about using a weapon on an officer because of that death penalty.”
While some New Mexicans are against it, Public Safety Director Darren White said having death penalty provides a layer of protection for police officers. White, a former sheriff, had one of his own officers gunned down during a traffic stop in 2006. Kintigh understood that the reinstatement of death penalty will spark strong emotions throughout the state but he said he won't shy away from moving forward.
The Catholic Church had publicly stated that it is against death penalty.
What are your thoughs on the death penalty? Do you think that the legislation should be reviewed and constitution be amended or do you think it should stand as is? How do you think the public will react to this? Please answer in a short paragraph.
-Noriega
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I believe that the legeslation should be reviewd and the constitution amended to allow the death penalty for those who murder police officers and children. I think that these are the worst type of crimes and that the death penalty will fit it properly. But, I think that the public will be split on what they think. There are those that will want the death penalty, and those that will not.
ReplyDeletePosted by Brandon
Benjamin Says:
ReplyDeleteI think that the legislation should stay as it is. Many people who would be willing to commit such extreme crimes like murder are not afraid to die, such as the columbine shooters, Paul Hill, etc., so the death penalty just encourages martyrdom, and does not significantly reduce crimes such as murder. Also, many people, especially criminals who would be willing to commit murder or similar crimes would probably rather die than spend life in prison with no parole. I think that changing the legislation to allow the death penalty will give groups and orginizations that are against it something to protest, so there might be organized protests if the death penalty is allowed.
i think it should be reinstated. but to a further extent, i think that the death penalty, if reinstated, should apply to everyone. what are the chances of the person who raped or killed someone to "get better" in only a few years. if that person is dead it is guaranteed that they will not commit the crime again. plus the person being alive costs the state a whole lot of money. if they are not befitting the state and have committed a horrible crime then it would be morally as well as financially fitting to end the persons life.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the death penalty should be reinstated. If a person decides that they want to kill someone, then they should be able to face death themselves. I feel that the issue should be put to a vote so the people can decide. I also feel that the people of New Mexico will be divided on the issue.
ReplyDeleteI think that the death penalty should be reinstated. If a person commits a crime such as murdering a police officer or a child, it simply doesn't make sense to allow them to commit the crime again. People who commit these crimes simply waste resources while in jail. The state must spend money to fund the jail yet the person doesn't make any sort of positive contribution to society. Sadly, if this is taken to a vote, I believe that the death penalty will not be reinstated because many people feel that it isn't moral, despite the obvious danger the person presents, plus the financial waste.
ReplyDeleteI think that the death penalty should remain idle because anyone who commits homicide should be sentenced to life in prison with no chance for parole. Most people would rather die then be in life long imprisonment, so it serves as a punishment instead of just being killed and not deal with guilt. I think legislation shouldn't be reviewed and the constitution not amended so that these criminals can pay for their crimes and be somewhat tortured for what they've done.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts on the death penalty are that it should not be reinstated but sentences should be extended to a certain degree that the Person becomes more aware of the crimes committed. But on the other hand people might not be able to see or understand what they have done. So theres that idea of the releasement of the criminal that theres a doubt whether or not he learned his lesson. You can't change people into believing in your belief because it's your belief. You can only lead them into a direction that leads that way and hope they stay on the path and not trail off it. The killing of a criminal won't stop criminals from killing.
ReplyDeletePersonally I'm not the type of person who says an eye for an eye. The death penalty should be for people like the man in Arizona, he killed many people including a child and a judge and understoodexactly what he was doing. The death penalty should be reinstated but for extreme crimes such as murder of children, officials, or multiple victims.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the death penalty should be reinstated. Personally I don't believe that is the rational thing to do, whatever the crime. Most would rather die than to stay in prison anyway. Also I think that the constitution should stand still and legislation should not be reviewed. Despite what direction they choose to go one side of the public will be upset and the other will be pleased.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel that the gas componies fully responsible for the gas brake down I mean we should already be prepared for situations like this because it could any time and we just have to learn how to survive n situations lik this. I thimk that yes people should be able to get what ever they lost in the situation and it shouldn't have to be paid for because this was unexpected.
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