Unclear on the concept

[Theophylact]

The second provision would allow the death penalty in cases when terrorists sabotage a national defense installation, a nuclear facility, or an energy facility, resulting in deaths. The third provision would make defendants in terrorism cases -- alongside organized crime, drug offenses and gun crimes -- eligible for pretrial detentions, Ashcroft said.

Just curious: how is the death penalty going to deter a suicide terrorist -- or punish a successful one?

[RADAR1797]

Actually I suspect it is just a way to dispose of them. This is preferable to their plan to dispose of themselves and many innocents at the same time.

-RADAR

[Barney]

Death penalty is more expensive than life in jail. And it's not like other terrorists are going to try free them, with kamikaze terrorists being disposable and all...

I guess they're trying to make a point. Not sure what, though.

[osprey4]

Suicide bombers should definitely get life in prison, with some 400 pound Bubba as a roommate.

[wju425]

I don't understand how a death penalty cost more than life in jail. How much does a 40 caliber slug cost?

\o/ Billy

[SeanC]

Or a poison injection? Or even the electricity to electrocute someone. What about like the old days, hanging.

Although I can't see how it would stop suicide terrorists at all. They're willing to die to ensure the mission is a success.

Sean

[Ed_S]

I see your point regarding suicide terrorists, (just how DO you threaten someone that plans to die?) but the PROMISE of the DP might help deter other non-suicidal types of terrorism, such as bombings.


It would have to be a definate promise to have any effect, though. Not this namby-pamby drag-it-out-for-years excuse for a system that we have now!