One of these things is not like the other one

[Michael Bailey]

 Robert Mahnke wrote:
> I've been in this debate many times but have never had this thought before.
> I have a lot of sympathy for the idea that the state ought not be putting
> people to death, but perhaps the people who serve on a jury in these
> circumstances see it as a decision that has been given to them, not the
> state.  Our tradition of trial by jury is very different from that in a lot
> of other democracies -- maybe that is a key to the puzzle here?
>

yes, that whole "fully informed jury" is really interesting also.  A
jury is empowered by the law to do a lot more than the judges instruct
them about or will normally let them do.

But I don't think capital punishment should be an option.  We can put
a person in space and save lives with duct tape.  Even a twisted
person is a biological masterpiece, why be idiots with penknives.  If
they're too dangerous keep them in solitary confinement, study them
and preach at them through thick glass...