Death Penalty and Guilt

Authored by Michael Pate on April 21st, 2003 at 3:44 PM

“We also wonder how Scott Peterson is going to afford a death penalty defense. Will he end up with appointed counsel? Whoever represents him must assemble a team of experts….from DNA to death penalty mitigation specialists, to jury consultants and lots more. The taxpayers of California and Stanislaus County, as well as whatever county the trial is moved to, should a change of venue be granted, will pay dearly— according to one California sherriff, it takes $500,000 just for law enforcement expenses. By the time appeals are over, it’s more likely to approach $2 million.” - TalkLeft

Just, for the sake of argument, assume that Scott Peterson is being framed as his parents and others allege. In that instance, he would possibly be better off for the prosecution to seek the death penalty. As stated above, extensive resources will be available for his defense. And countless people will be seeking to prove his innocence over the next couple of decades. How much time is spent seeking to aid truly guilty people sentenced to death that would better be served seeking to aid truly innocent people sentenced to life in prison? I think that is a question worthy of debate.

Links in this entry:

DA Likely to Seek Death Penalty in Laci Peterson Case
Scott Peterson charged with two counts of murder
The police have failed to frame Scott Peterson as planned

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