Andrew87

With New Jersey's recent abolition of the death penalty, apparently Maryland is thinking of doing the same. What do you guys think about the death penalty?

No Death Penalty for New Jersey ... But Maryland Too? - Associated Content

No Death Penalty for New Jersey ... But Maryland Too?

First New Jersey makes an historic decision to abolish the death penalty, and now Maryland too? Advocates of repealing capital punishment in Maryland are hopeful that New Jersey will set an example. The Maryland State Legislature meets next month in January. There was a chance to repeal the death penalty with life without parole, but it failed in a Senate committee vote by just one vote. However for next month, many people feel the bill will not pass in the state of Maryland.

Governor Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, has been rallying against the death penalty because of its high costs and the unjust nature of the punishment. Advocates against the death penalty, have set up events in Maryland to highlight the issue once lawmakers return back to the legislature on January 9th. Also showing up on January 9th, is Scott Turow, a death penalty opponent, who is a suspense novelist. Further, these advocates are asking non-supporters of the death penalty to write to their lawmakers. There is however, not as much support for the abolishment as in New Jersey.

Catherine Potter, a sophomore studying political science at Catholic University, is a longtime advocate for its repeal. "It is repulsive that we still have executions. We are the United States of America. Shouldn't we be better than that? Even if there is the remote possibility that one person is innocent, it is enough cause to repeal the death penalty. It is time for the Maryland legislature to step up to the plate and do something."

Maryland as of December, 2006, has had a moratorium on the death penalty. Currently, Maryland has only five prisoners that are awaiting execution. However, for executions to be carried out, Governor O'Malley must instate new regulations, which he has shown a great amount of restraint. If Maryland does not abolish the death penalty at its next vote, an enormous amount of pressure will be on the governor to write new rules.

Joe Bardi, who holds a political science degree from the University of Maryland, says it is showing a weakness in the governor. "These are convicted criminals. They were given a fair trial with a lawyer and ample resources. It is not justice to keep them on death row. It is justice for them to be executed. The verdict was death, not life in prison without the possibility of parole. If he is not going to uphold the law in Maryland, then who is? What is next, life in prison is inhumane?" Similar points of view have been adopted by citizens throughout Maryland. There have been conflicting studies about the effectiveness of the death penalty. Studies in California have shown that the death penalty is not a deterrent whereas other studies conducted in Canada show otherwise. Bardi also states, "Hypothetically, if we abolish it (death penalty), then we need to reserve it for the killings of law enforcement officers and terrorists. But I do support the death penalty for any person who takes the life of another." The governor has stated on numerous occasions that he wants "all or nothing".

The Maryland State Legislature is not expected to pass the proposed bill. It is however being called progress. New Jersey, being the first state in nearly forty years to abolish its death penalty, may be starting a trend for the future. Some believe the philosophy of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" whereas others are rallying behind "an eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind." The remaining question is, which philosophy will be adopted by the Maryland State Legislature?