I recently read an article about an incarcerated guy who is challenging his death sentence on the grounds of cruel and unusual punishment. The appellant claims that he is too fat to hang, that his obesity would cause his head to pop-off his body, which, he claims, constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. Therefore, his hanging would be in violation of U.S. Constitutional provisions.
The Innocence Project exposed the gross errors and inadequacies of trial by jury. DNA testing has proven beyond a reasonable doubt the innocence of many whose convictions were based on circumstantial evidence. And eyewitness convictions are notoriously in error.
I believe America should do away with the death penalty and stick with life in prison – no parole – for the bad of the bad among us. However, if we choose to maintain death as a punishment for heinous crimes, why not use the guillotine? Beheading causes instantaneous death, no pain, no suffering. Best of all, the guillotine would eliminate frivolous petitions to appellate courts by condemned fat guys who don’t want to get their heads popped-off when their sentences are imposed.
Michael K. Broughton
Green Park