Wednesday, March 24, 2010
In the high profile case of Hank Skinner some DNA evidence that could prove his innocence has yet to be tested as his execution day approaches. Skinner's life now rests in the hands of Governor Rick Perry who has the choice to either go through with the execution or grant an extension so the evidence can be tested. In this article "Execution looms with DNA evidence untested" Grits claims that although Governor Perry should grant a 30 day reprieve to allow DNA evidence to be tested in the Skinner case he would be surprised if the Gov. actually did so. He says it is time for Texas to stop "fooling around" with these cases and supports his opinion that Gov. Perry should grant the 30 days because of all the DNA exonerations that have been going on throughout the state. This is a perfectly legitimate argument because it is true. What does it hurt to wait for DNA results? After all the exonerations around the state why not make certain that you are killing the right man for the crime. It's completely illogical to me to not run the tests when there is a possibility that a man could be innocent. The only thing that doesn't make sense to me is why Gov. Perry wouldn't order the reprieve. It's not like it hurts anything. In my opinion, Grits is right that the reprieve should be allowed but I don't understand why he thinks that Gov. Rick Perry wouldn't allow it. Maybe he just knows more about politics and Rick Perry than I do.
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I just read a post on my classmate Brittany’s blog. It was about an execution case here in Texas. There is new DNA testing that may prove whether or not this man actually committed this crime. The problem is that he is scheduled for his execution before the testing can be done. It is up to Governor Rick Perry to decide whether or not to give this man a 30 day reprieve. I do agree with Brittany that Perry should definitely give this man a reprieve, it does no one harm and could potentially save this mans life. She questions why Perry would not do this. To answer her question would be to question the morality of her peers. People want action for crimes that have been committed. People feel better when someone has paid consequences for a horrible act. The murder victim’s family would want some closure and that is why I think Perry will not grant this reprieve. As horrible as this whole thing is, it would make people feel better to have this man hanged. I completely disagree with this though process but it is there. I hope that this man gets his reprieve and if the world were a better place a murder would not have been committed at all. He also might not grant a reprieve because it would cost money. Not very much money but money nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteI think Brittany brought up a very valid argument with her blog. When we look back on why some people were not granted reprieves it saddens us, but if we were on the other side looking for justice all of us would want some sort of closure and justice to be done for our beloved lost one. This was a well written blog but it could have used a little more detail. I would have liked to know a little more about the case and I also think that she could have put forth some more of her own thoughts. Overall it was sad to read but well written. My sympathies go out to the victim’s families and I hope this man gets his 30 day reprieve. What is a little money compared to the value of a mans life.