Should people sentenced to death be executed shortly after being sentenced?

[ShyGuyInChicago]

Why or Why Not?
Would that deter crime if people had no chances for appeals?
Should that only be done in cases where guilt is completely proven and cannot be challenged or denied?

[Amnesiac]

I don't even believe in the death penalty, but anyway:

Criminals should have the right to appeal. Yes, it wastes time and it holds up the courts, but it's a basic right in the judicial system that must be protected. You'd be surprised at how many criminals who look 100% guilty end up innocent.

[ShyGuyInChicago]

I don't even believe in the death penalty, but anyway:

Criminals should have the right to appeal. Yes, it wastes time and it holds up the courts, but it's a basic right in the judicial system that must be protected. You'd be surprised at how many criminals who look 100% guilty end up innocent.

Very true. I ask this because many people feel that the appeals process is a waste of tax dollars. People don't like having their tax dollars going to prisoners.

[Amnesiac]

Very true. I ask this because many people feel that the appeals process is a waste of tax dollars. People don't like having their tax dollars going to prisoners.

Well, if they were locked up on false charges I'm sure they'd want an appeals system then.

It exists for a reason, to protect the innocent. We just had a huge news-maker here in Houston about a month ago when a man who was wrongly convicted of rape and murder (I think) was released from prison after 20 years, thanks to appeals.

[ShyGuyInChicago]

Well, if they were locked up on false charges I'm sure they'd want an appeals system then.

It exists for a reason, to protect the innocent. We just had a huge news-maker here in Houston about a month ago when a man who was wrongly convicted of rape and murder (I think) was released from prison after 20 years, thanks to appeals.

Yep. Just to be clear, I think appeals are necessary. I also get annoyed when people complain about their tax dollars being wasted on prison and trials. But then some people might claim that doing this would deter crime.

[Amnesiac]

Yep. Just to be clear, I think appeals are necessary. I also get annoyed when people complain about their tax dollars being wasted on prison and trials. But then some people might claim that doing this would deter crime.

People shouldn't value money over rights. Tax money goes to the government so they can run a safe, fair society where everybody's rights are respected, not a nation where all tax money is poured into "useful" things like the military and criminals are left to rot in degrading prisons. People should stop complaining about spending money on criminals, it's not like the entire judicial system is going to be free.

[Sith Lord 13]

I think the process should be simplified, streamlined, and hastened, but you do need to allow for appeals. I think, however, it should be months after sentencing, not years, that execution takes place (assuming appeals have no merit).