Daily Texan Columnist
In light of sharp criticism of Texas' execution record during the recent presidential election, state lawmakers need to act decisively in this legislative session to improve the Texas criminal justice system. As great a state as we live in, we should always strive to make it better. An effective way to begin addressing problems with criminal justice is to trust jurors with the option of sentencing criminals to life without parole.
The current legal system gives jurors two choices for capital cases the death penalty, or life in prison. However, the current sentence of life in prison allows inmates to be eligible for parole in 40 years. The decision boils down to the death sentence or letting a dangerous criminal back on the street. The decision to take a human life is a decision no one wants to make. By limiting sentencing options, though, lawmakers push jurors into a situation in which they must choose between the lesser of two evils. Jurors need more options.
State executions must not be taken lightly the potential for error has extraordinary importance when a life hangs in the balance. In addition to moral and ethical considerations, a history of race and class bias in criminal justice makes many people increasingly wary of a punishment that can't be revoked. While an August 2000 Gallup poll showed that 67 percent of respondents support the use of the death penalty, 57 percent of those who said they support the death penalty do so "with reservations." It's time for Texas to heed those reservations and critically examine sentencing guidelines, striving to make them more just.
Gov. Rick Perry stated last month that "it's time state lawmakers seriously consider letting juries choose life without parole as an alternative to the death penalty." Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff has echoed Perry's sentiments, saying that Texas' frequent use of the death penalty warrants examination. Rep. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, heard the call for leadership and introduced legislation to improve the Texas criminal justice system by giving Texans more sentencing options. HB 365 allows juries the option of sentencing a convicted criminal to life without parole rather than forcing them to consider a choice between execution and recidivism. Rep. Hinojosa believes that "we must empower juries to impose the punishment they feel to be most just." Texas legislators must pass HB 365 and begin the process of improving our criminal justice system.
We have the responsibility to be vigilant about those things in our state that may impede the ability of all citizens to receive fair and just treatment under the law. The criminal justice system in Texas needs re-evaluation and improvement in order to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and justly and that jurors are equipped to act with clear conscience. To begin the process of correcting problems in criminal justice, Texas lawmakers need to follow the leadership of Rep. Hinojosa and give Texas juries the option of issuing convicted criminals a sentence of life without parole.
Oldmixon is an English junior.
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