The Death Penalty for Premeditated Murder, Murder One

In a city in NC the last several weeks there has been a case where the state was seeking the death penalty. I am sure that the laws are different from state to state. As I read the article in the local newspaper I really started to think. I also was called for jury selection on that case. But because of my views on the death penalty I was excused.

Anyway I decided to take a pole to get the different views on the death penalty. But my views are; "I believe that no one has the right to kill anyone. Is this not premeditated murder?, (done deliberately; planned in advance) I had to ask myself would I not be as guilty as that person? Is murder not murder?"

Anyway as the week passed I read the newspaper. Everyday other jurors were excused because of their views on the death penalty. Many did not believe in the death penalty for one reason or another. Yet there were others that did believe in the death penalty but with comments. This was when I decided to do the pole. I think that it is an interesting subject.

While reading in the newspaper during the selection of the jurors. One of the jurors as they were being questioned about the death penalty said; (this isn't a quote) if there was no shadow of a dealt, that all evidence showed that the intention to murder was there, he could give the sentence of the death penalty.

Another said, (not a quote) With all the sentences now days being overturned. They didn't feel they would be able to give the death penalty. The reason was if there was enough evidence that the sentence could be overturned, but it was to late to stop the death they would have to live with the decision they had made. They felt they could not live with that. Of course there were others that I can't recall.

While during the poll, this was the first person that sent me their views on the subject. I copied: "I believe we should have a death penalty especially when there is no doubt. I believe if we brought back hanging there would be less crime. I think the pert's that hurt children under the age of 12 should have the death penalty too, not just for murderers. I also think when they get the death penalty, they should do it, not just put them in jail for 30 years and wait to get it done. I know Texas still offers the death penalty and actually does it, but a lot of states put the prisoner on death row and it never gets done. They should say their good byes and get it done." "But we get real crazies out there that has money and gets off the crime and never gets the death penalty and if they do get it, they sit in jail for years and us tax payers pay for his education, food, clothing and etc. etc. This doesn't seem fair."

Now I believe that when they said, "no doubt" since the death penalty is one of the sentences for first degree murder, premeditated murder, (done deliberately; planned in advance). If there's no doubt they planned to murder the person or persons, that was their intent. The evidence is there. Give them the death penalty.

Here is another one, "I am for the death penalty, if it were used more often, I feel the level of crime would drop. They are too easy on prisoners in jail/prison. It's like a comfort zone to them. It supposed to be a place for punishment, but that is not the case really to a certain extent." I thought this was self explanatory. This person believes that when they go to prison it doesn't do any good.

Now this one is different. "If it involves abuse or rape of a child, I am FOR it. If it involves intentional murder, I am mostly for it. Just my opinion." No comment on this for I am not sure the understanding is clear.

This person said, "If someone takes a life, they need to be executed. If somebody doesn't do it intentionally, I don't think they need executed."

Another stated, "I believe if someone kills someone and it isn't an accident they should get the death penalty." I think this one is saying it doesn't matter if the evidence proves that they killed someone, it's not by accident, but kill them they should get the death penalty even if it wasn't their intent.

This one said, " I do believe in the death penalty, I believe an eye for an eye." They need to see to see the whole picture, not just a small part of the scripture but the whole one. Also there is a need to read the next one too.