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: A Public Defender's Life in Alaska

So, I am glad I am not Steven Hayes lawyer. Seriously. Rape, torture and murder of a family in a home invasion. The Petit family murders. I may be a defense lawyer but I strongly believe that these two men deserve to die. Quickly. Yes, yes, I know the problems with the death penalty. I know the cops screwed this up too (surprise!) But I do think the ultimate penalty has a place. It pisses me off when a guy who shoots a clerk gets the death penalty. It cheapens it. And no, the argument 'if it was my daughter who was shot' would not change my mind. Prison is a horrific place. And more than suitable for most crimes. Including most murders. But these two.... Well there is a special place for them. It has nothing to do with either specific or general deterrent. It has simply do with removing a cancer from society. What they did was so horrific that they should pay with their lives. And that is why I am glad I am not their lawyer. The lawyers defending Mr. Hayes are doing the highest level of criminal work and I salute them for it. Because I am not sure I could. But when it is said and done and he is strapped down to die, I hope his lawyers don't beat themselves up too much. They did what they could. Burn in hell Mr. Hayes. I would have less remorse shooting you than that hog. And I wouldn't even wait for you to come out of your pen.

Full post as published by A Public Defender's Life in Alaska on October 21, 2010 (boomark / email).