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| Death penalty changes get OK in Ill. |
| By Daily Herald |
| Published: 11/06/2003 |
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Gov. Rod Blagojevich and legislative leaders announced a deal Wednesday on sweeping changes to how the death penalty system works in Illinois. Both said the moves are designed to make the state a model for the nation rather than an embarrassment. Yet despite the reforms, Blagojevich said the moratorium on executions will remain, despite his belief that some killers deserve to die. The lingering imagery of 13 death row inmates exonerated and freed is what pushed Illinois to the national forefront of the debate over what's wrong with the death penalty. Former Gov. George Ryan used the wrongful convictions to justify his moratorium on executions and ultimately his decision to switch every death sentence to life in prison. Ryan also assembled a panel to recommend changes to the death penalty process. Nearly all of the resulting recommendations are addressed in the compromise deal. Among the changes: Mentally disabled killers won't be eligible for the death penalty. Testimony from jailhouse snitches must be proven reliable before being used in court. The Illinois Supreme Court can overturn a death sentence if justices think it's unfair. Inmates who believe they can prove their innocence get opportunities to present new evidence. Despite the reforms, Blagojevich said he would not lift the moratorium on executions, although it's unlikely he'll ever face a decision on one during his term in office. The Illinois House could take up the death penalty compromise as soon as today. |
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