|
|
| NC Experts Say Death Penalty Unfair |
| By Associated Press |
| Published: 12/26/2005 |
|
North Carolina's death penalty system is racially unfair, too broad and too costly, witnesses told state legislators last week. Others, testifying before a House study committee, said that the system is as fair as is humanly possible. In the coming months, the 20-member House Select Study Committee on Capital Punishment will consider these and other issues related to the "accuracy and fairness" of North Carolina's death penalty. This includes prosecutorial misconduct and whether any innocent people may be on death row. Others said that the system appears to place a disproportionate number of minorities on death row. Whites make up about 70 percent of the state's general population, and blacks represent nearly 13 percent, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. But about 55 percent of death row inmates are black and about 35 percent are White. Rep. Mickey Michaux, D-Durham, said he was "bothered" that district attorneys have the authority to decide whether to seek the death penalty. He suggested that power could be contributing to the racial disparity on death row. The General Assembly will take up the panel's recommendations next year. |
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think