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Article: The death penalty debate: the United States is one of the few industrialized nations that still uses capital punishment. Under increasing scrutiny by the courts, it continues to stir strong feelings on both sides.(Cover story)
- Article from:
- New York Times Upfront
- Article date:
- February 5, 2007
- Author:
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BACKGROUND
The U. S. is in the midst of a "national. reconsideration" of the death penalty, one expert says. Eight states have temporarily halted executions, and New Jersey is considering abolishing them altogether. Supporters say the death penalty is fitting for heinous crimes, white opponents consider it "cruel and unusual, punishment."
The Eighth Amendment: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruet and unusual punishments inflicted.
Last October, the state of Florida executed a 52-year-old serial killer and rapist named Danny Rolling. In 1990, Rolling brutally murdered five female college students in ...