Reality of miscarriage of justice

The issue that should be addressed is the reality of miscarriage of justice, whereby there are numerous instances of innocent people being found guilty, and duly executed.

One such instance that comes to mind is the Evans/Christie issue in London, UK in the 50s, (10 Rillington Place, Nottinghill Gate) when Christie was hanged. Subsequent evidence showed that he was in fact innocent. But he was lucky — he got a posthumous pardon from the Queen Herself!

The system of determining guilt or innocence is far from perfect — inequality of Counsel, false testimony, circumstantial evidence, bribery etc.

In a recent case in Texas, USA, a man who was on death row for 18 years was freed after numerous appeals, and finally, after DNA testing showed he was innocent.

To argue that some murders are witnessed by several people so there could be no doubt as to guilt, the same arguments could be applied to a verdict of guilty being brought in by the imperfect system of the Courts.

Violence begets violence. Life is too precious to be sacrificed on the altar of political expedience — what a shame that we have descended to this barbaric level. Instead of educating the public, action is taken to satisfy the popular emotions (votes).

The alternative to hanging is Life imprisonment — and — Life" should mean life. To argue that this imposes a financial burden on the State and the Taxpayer is a spurious one. The State’s duty is to protect citizens, and by incarceration of the murderer this duty is performed.

Another purpose is satisfied — there is then room for reprieve if subsequent evidence shows innocence.

On August 11, 1970, I had filed a motion in the Senate seeking abolition of the death penalty. Several MPs subsequently told me that they shared my views but given the events of earlier that year, it would have been politically unwise to support he motion: Politics again!

DR R D MOOTOO
San Fernando