Lawsuit says governor exceeded powers on death penalty

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Updated 11:20 am, Monday, December 4, 2017

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The 11 men on Nebraska's death row can't be executed because their death sentences were converted to life in prison when the state's death penalty was repealed in 2015, according to a lawsuit filed Monday.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska's complaint also says Gov. Pete Ricketts overstepped the Nebraska Constitution's separation of powers clause because he funded and controlled the petition drive that led to a vote to restore the death penalty the following year.

The lawsuit names Ricketts, the prisons department and several officials, and seeks a court order barring the state from carrying out any executions. No execution dates have been set for any of the 11 men.

. . .

"This liberal advocacy group has repeatedly worked to overturn the clear voice of the Nebraska people on the issue of capital punishment and waste taxpayer dollars with frivolous litigation," the office said in a statement

Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Lawsuit-says-governor-exceeded-powers-on-death-12403657.php

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[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. I don't get the persistent support of the death penalty in this country.

Especially from people who consider themselves a believer in any of the religions that have the Bible, Koran, Old Testament, whatever.

I always want to ask them, What part of the commandment not to kill is at all ambiguous?

A Jewish friend once told me that the original Hebrew is simply, "No kill."

[Iggo]

2. They sure do seem real eager to kill some people.

I have a very low opinion of people who want to kill other people.