Supreme Court: Death Penalty for Minors Unconstitutional

[woodchip]

Since the threads course has tasked off course a bit, let me add something to the death penalty business. Most of us here are naturally concerned that a innocent man is not put to death in error. Since executions have put the wrong person to death, instead of the endless appeal process, let us look at the prosecutors and law enforcement agencies handling the case.
If a condemned man is later found to be innocent, he is given a new suit and fifty bucks and shown the sunlight. In most cases the individual has no recourse for damages for time spent incarcerated or loss of his good name. Perhaps we should start looking at repercussions to the overzealous prosecutor who wanted a quick settling of a murder to show how "effective" he is or the police who have been known to "doctor" evidence so it looks like they are doing their job by getting a murderer off the streets. Knowing you may be sued over a inept job always makes one look harder at the job at hand. While I know someone will say this may put a unfair burden on the police and prosecutors office I say so what. Don't go into a line of work that you are not prepared to do due diligence.

[woodchip]

Since the Judges brought up international law, here is a example of how the Brits handle youthful miscreants:

A 12-year-old boy has been detained for life by a judge at Teesside Crown Court for raping his teacher at a special needs centre.

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,3 ... 10,00.html