Re: Susan Smith Trial

> I think the DA in the Smith case is looking for a direct political payoff by
> seeking the death penalty.  Myself, I can't figure out what a death penalty
> would do in either of the cases.

It really depends on how you look at the death penalty.  I've always felt the
best way to stop crime is to place fear in the criminal.  If you have ever
seen someone on their way to the electric chair, there is no greater fear
then to be in their place for another person to see.  Killing Susan Smith
will not bring back the two innocent children she killed but it will send a
message to the state of South Carolina that murder will not be tolerated and
if you murder you should be prepared to die yourself.  The only reason I
favor the death penalty is it makes people think twice.  If you kill someone
then you should know you are going to die in return.  Some people think
keeping murders alive and making them suffer is the better solution but I
would guess most would not suffer that much.

> I've read a lot of stuff, pro & con, about cameras in the court rooms.  They
> won't make a definitive stand yet.  Just waiting and letting some of the ones
> who let them in, to see what overall effect they'll have on the justice
> system over time.

Anyone is allowed to go down to their local courthouse and watch a case for
free.  It allows you to see the people at work that you are paying with your
tax dollars and how can you vote for a DA or judge if don't know how they
operate at their job.  Obviously, there is no room in the courthouses for the
Simpson and Smith cases so having camaras there allows the people to see what
they should be able to see.

> Could a woman be insane and still have the presence of mind to concoct the
> story she did about being carjacked?  Then again, could a woman be sane and
> kill her children?  I guess that's what the trial will decide....

I thought she had to be insane to kill her own flesh and blood.  Now if you
don't think she is insane then I cannot think of a better crime that someone
should die for.

Speaking of Susan saying she was carjacked...does anyone know if there are
any black jurors on the Smith jury?  Reason I ask if she said a black man
took her kids and that would not go over well with anyone of the African
American race I'm sure.

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