Did Texas execute an innocent man?

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

Fair enough.

KSigkid, I understand what you're saying is true by the judicial elements established by our constitution. I understand that, I just disagree with that portion of the law. I simply believe that those people who commit crimes of this nature (such as the Manson Murders) should be executed at the time of sentencing.

No, I don't believe that if someone was committing murder that they would be thinking about an appeal process. However, I do believe if it was an "eye for an eye" they would certaintly think twice before committing a crime.

OJ is a perfect example of what I perceive as someone who has committed not one, but TWO murders and was not convicted. (I hate him) Most of the evidence at the trial as I view it pointed to his guilt, hence, a very good example of "money" talks and BS walks. In other words, in this country, poor people don't get away with the crime, rich people do and this so unfortunate but yet so true.

"If it doesn't fit you must acquit" whatever... That glove is a good example of an element that there was a quirk in that trial. The glove that Johnny Cochran used had been soaked in water for a week and when it came time for OJ to try the glove on it didn't fit. And with OJ being an actor, he totally exaggerated trying to put on the glove that didn't fit.

So is your argument now that the death penalty, and convictions in general, are skewed based on the wealth of the defendant? If so, wouldn't that make for an even stronger argument against expedited executions?

In other words, if the poor are getting a shoddy defense, don't you think that's something that should be sorted out and reviewed before someone spends significant time in prison?

Also, the OJ case is a tough example for a number of reasons...if you're going to blame anyone for that case, you should probably start with the prosecution.

(Plus, not to get into a whole debate about OJ, but isn't there some disagreement about whether the gloves were soaked in water? Unless you have some inside info about the trial...)

Originally Posted by cheerfulgreek

KSigkid, I respect your opinion and Kevin's too, but you stated the facts as they should be, but not as they are....

What facts did I state in that manner?