Assignment Task: I need a small reply to the following discussion post please:
In Florida, prior to 2000, the process regarding the completion of a death penalty sentence was long and drawn out. According to Christopher Reinhart, a prominent research attorney in Florida, the new law reduces the average period from 16 years to 3-5 (depending on if timely appeals have been filed). I was shocked at how quickly the sentence could and has been carried out. For Example, Aileen Wournos was executed in 2002, shortly after the law was passed in 2000. She was on death row in Florida for 10 years after her murder conviction in 1992.
Post-conviction process:
In 2014 the Florida Supreme Court ruled that a Judge can no longer impose a death sentence. A unanimous decision by a jury is required.
The court appoints counsel for post-conviction relief within 15 calendar days of sentencing
Florida has what is called a "parallel track system." Post-conviction relief begins while a direct appeal is still pending. The motion notifying the court that the defendant wishes to file a direct appeal must be filed within 30 days of sentencing. The motion for post-conviction relief must be filed within 180 days of filing the brief for direct appeal.
Individuals sentenced to death have one round of direct appeals. After each appeal, a state and federal, a state and federal review of the issues is conducted. A death warrant is issued within 30 days of the final review. Clemency is then requested and execution is within 180 days of the Clemency request.
I am in favor of the death penalty for certain crimes. I believe it is a deterrent for certain behaviors. However, I don't think there should be a humane way of carrying out the punishment. I remember some relatives of the victims of Jeffrey Dahmer saying the death penalty was too good for him and they should just let him starve to death. In a way, you look at the pain and suffering of the families and the fact that medical, recreation etc is provided makes my skin crawl.