As Catholics, we believe all life is sacred. That no one is to judge, but God. Right? But, what about murderers? Doesn’t the Bible say “an eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth”? Here are some facts on the Death Penalty:
Since 1976 when the death penalty was re-instated, 1,516 people have been executed.
It’s legal in 28 states (including NC)
As of July 20, 2020, there are 2,620 people on death row. 137 people in the state of NC – 135 males, and 2 females.
Did you know it’s less expensive on the state (and therefore the taxpayer) to sentence someone to life in prison, then the death penalty sentence? Many people think the death penalty is less, as the person is not ‘draining the system anymore’.
Here are the facts:
Legal costs – most people who face this, cannot afford their own attorney. So, a public defender (usually two given the severity of the sentence) is assigned.
Pre-trial costs – Capital punishment is far more complicated and take considerably longer to go to trial. Many experts are called in, and a lot more evidence is required. Taxpayers pay for all these expenses.
Trial – Jury selection is considerably longer to vet through the jurors. The trial can last up to four times longer requiring jury, and attorney compensation, along with court personal, and other court related costs.
Incarceration – Most death row inmates are subject to solitary confinement, which requires special facility section, more security, and accommodations.
Appeals – Every prisoner is entitled to a series of appeals. Given the severity of this punishment, every effort is made to ensure there are no mistakes. Sadly, there still are today, and innocent people have been executed.
Did you know that in 2012 a study was done that proved it is $1,000,000,000 more expensive to seek the death penalty, than life in prison? Can we take that $1 Million and put it to education? Gang prevention? Drug & Alcohol Treatment Centers? Mental Health Services? Maybe even state funded grief counselling for victims’ families. The list goes on of the good that can be done with these funds.
Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” As Catholics, we need to practice forgiving, as all life is sacred. All Gods people have the opportunity for redemption. Who are we to take that opportunity away?
Taken from deathpenaltyinfo.org