"The death penalty no longer comports with contemporary standards of decency"- CT Supreme Court

[Nye Bevan]

Three years after Connecticut abolished the death penalty for any future crimes, the state's highest court on Thursday spared the lives of all 11 men who were already on death row when the law took effect, saying it would be unconstitutional to execute them.

Within minutes, a lawyer with the Chief Public Defender's office said he was getting on the phone with his office's clients to share the news.

"There will be no more death row," said Michael Courtney, the leader of the office's capital defense unit.

.....

The Connecticut Supreme Court, in a 4-3 ruling, agreed with his position, ruling that the death penalty "no longer comports with contemporary standards of decency and no longer serves any legitimate penological purpose."

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/connecticuts-top-court-overturns-death-penalty-state-33060968

Happy to live in a state that has finally abolished this medieval barbarity once and for all!

[jonno99]

1. I don't disagree with the ruling, however lets not kid ourselves, "barbarity" is not unique to

medieval times. And "contemporary standards of decency" are actually declining IMHO.

We are becoming less civil as a society - not more...

[Tommy_Carcetti]

2. It cut right to the heart of the death penalty.

There's no rational, logical reason for the death penalty and it's very refreshing to see a court actually recognize this.

If only the SCOTUS were so wise.