One thing's for sure: no one seems all that interested in finding out.
Some important points to consider:
Well, you might find out something that would prevent the execution ... and what fun would that be?!
Full article here (HT: Brendan Nyhan).
(via).
Some important points to consider:
Skinner has been on Death Row in Texas since 1993, awaiting execution for the murder of his girlfriend and her two sons. He has maintained his innocence since his arrest, and investigators from the Northwestern University Journalism School’s Medill Innocence Project have shot numerous holes in the prosecution’s case. But Texas officials refuse to conduct a simple DNA test that could point to the condemned man’s innocence or cement his guilt.Why not test the DNA?
Well, you might find out something that would prevent the execution ... and what fun would that be?!
Full article here (HT: Brendan Nyhan).
(via).
To: Editorial Board, Dallas Morning News
ReplyDeleteRE: Death row inmate Hank Skinner
From: Dudley Sharp
Date: 3/24/10 (Prior to SCOTUS stay)
I am a pro death penalty guy who sees it as the norm for the majority in the media, inclusive of the DMN, to put forth a decided spin against the death penalty and in favor of the death row inmate when looking at some individual cases.
I have not read the trial transcript or the appellate decisions in the Hank Skinner case.
The DMN states: "Any responsible person asked to pass judgment on Skinner's role in the slayings would want to see the results of tests on these items. Justice for the victims demands it as well."
What the DMN is not so subtly stating is that all of the courts that have refused Skinner's requests, as well as Gov. Perry, his advisors, as well as the Board of Pardons and Paroles, are all irresponsible, are against justice and against victims, at least in this case.
One might ask, why would the courts, et al, act in such a fashion for the Skinner case?
What we do know is that the courts have reviewed both sides of the arguments and have, so far, refused Skinner's requests. Obviously, Perry, and/or his various advisors have done the same, so far.
Politically, it would be much easier for Perry or the board to grant a stay. Why not take the easy, politically expedient road out, by granting a stay? It certainly wouldn't hurt Perry.
And, we may still see a stay.
I suspect, so far, we are not seeing an objective review by the DMN, again.
Had we done so, we would likely be saying, I understand why all the courts have rejected Skinner's request and why Perry and all of his advisors, inclusive of the board, have also rejected a stay and I also understand why some may wish more DNA tests.
If it were as simple as the DMN says, it would be a no-brainer for the courts, Perry and/or the board to grant a stay.
It would be a political plus for Perry.
That is why I strongly suspect, the DMN has presented a strong defense perspective, with a very weak summation of the state and judicial side.
Again, it's not too late for Perry to do the politically expedient thing, even when the state, the courts and the parole board find that would be the irresponsible thing to do.
Pro death penalty folks don't want any innocent folks executed.
Anti death penalty folks don't want anyone executed. That may have a lot more to do with the outrage than any real concern over actual innocence in the Skinner case.