Post by Anja Nieser on Sept 24, 2006 4:45:02 GMT -5
State senator proposes death penalty for gang violence
Associated Press
CHARLESTON, S.C. - State Sen. Robert Ford says those convicted using guns in street crimes should face the death penalty.
"It's a message we could send to these thugs who feel compelled to kill other people," he said Thursday. The Charleston Democrat is a member of the state Senate's new Criminal Justice System Task Force that began meeting earlier this month.
Ford suggests that authorities be allowed to seek the death penalty for those responsible for gang violence, shootings involving drug deals and drive-by shootings.
Under current law, prosecutors can seek the death penalty in a homicide only when there are aggravating circumstances such as rape, armed robbery or kidnapping.
But Ford says as long as criminals know they can kill in turf wars and not face the death penalty, there's no reason for them to stop shooting.
Ford said he opposes the death penalty himself. But he said because the death penalty is a sentencing option, it should be used to help combat street crime.
While the change would affect all communities, Ford, who is black, said the measure would be especially effective in black neighborhoods.
"It should go on the table, and solicitors should do everything in their power to seek the death penalty," Ford said.
Prosecutor Ralph Hoisington said many street crimes may already qualify for the death penalty, depending on circumstances.
Expanding the crimes that qualify for the death penalty does not necessarily mean more convicted killers will be put to death, Hoisington said.
He said juries "are very cautious" in putting defendants to death. In most murder cases in South Carolina, the sentence is 30 years to life without the possibility of parole, he said.
Information from: The Post and Courier, www.charleston.net
Associated Press
CHARLESTON, S.C. - State Sen. Robert Ford says those convicted using guns in street crimes should face the death penalty.
"It's a message we could send to these thugs who feel compelled to kill other people," he said Thursday. The Charleston Democrat is a member of the state Senate's new Criminal Justice System Task Force that began meeting earlier this month.
Ford suggests that authorities be allowed to seek the death penalty for those responsible for gang violence, shootings involving drug deals and drive-by shootings.
Under current law, prosecutors can seek the death penalty in a homicide only when there are aggravating circumstances such as rape, armed robbery or kidnapping.
But Ford says as long as criminals know they can kill in turf wars and not face the death penalty, there's no reason for them to stop shooting.
Ford said he opposes the death penalty himself. But he said because the death penalty is a sentencing option, it should be used to help combat street crime.
While the change would affect all communities, Ford, who is black, said the measure would be especially effective in black neighborhoods.
"It should go on the table, and solicitors should do everything in their power to seek the death penalty," Ford said.
Prosecutor Ralph Hoisington said many street crimes may already qualify for the death penalty, depending on circumstances.
Expanding the crimes that qualify for the death penalty does not necessarily mean more convicted killers will be put to death, Hoisington said.
He said juries "are very cautious" in putting defendants to death. In most murder cases in South Carolina, the sentence is 30 years to life without the possibility of parole, he said.
Information from: The Post and Courier, www.charleston.net