PA Legislators Propose Abolishing The Death Penalty

Democratic lawmakers in Pennsylvania have announced legislation that would abolish the death penalty in the state.

In presenting the Death Penalty Repeal Act, legislators argued that too many innocent inmates wound up death row due to an imperfect justice system.

"The overwhelming cost, disparate application of the death penalty compounded by human error and it’s historically arbitrary and racist implementation in our country make it unfit for any use in an efficient and truly just system," State Sen. Sharif Street (D-3), who co-sponsored the legislation, said in the announcement.

Only three peopole have been executed in Pennsylvania since 1976, when it was codified on the federal level. The last inmate execution was all the way back in 1999.

The death penalty has been a fundamental issue at the center of the national discourse for decades, as leaders from across society have held forth on both sides of the moral and practical debate. It has been outlawed in 20 states.

Supporters of the repeal argue that the death penalty is not a deterrent to murder, and that the lack of closure involved with a murderer being on death row for many years through the appeals process is more harmful to victims' families than a life sentence without parole.

"From a victim's standpoint, it would give you great peace to know that the actual person that harmed you or your family was actually being held accountable, versus someone who did not do those things," State Sen. Katie Muth (D-44) said during a press conference Tuesday.

Opponents argue that for certain heinous crimes, such as killing law enforcement officers, the only appropriate punishment in death.

The bill comes just as the death sentence for Eric Frein, the man convicted of shooting and killing a Pennsylvania State Trooper back in 2014, was upheld by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court by a count of 6-1. Of course, Frein is unlikely to be executed any time soon no matter the fate of the new legislation, as Gov. Wolf has placed a moratorium on executions.

A total of 408 people have been sentenced to death in Pennsylvania since 1976, according to bill sponsors, with 169 receiving new life sentences, and 16 getting reduced sentences. Others were ultimately exonerated.

The bill has received some support from Republicans, but would require heavy bipartisanship to pass through the conservative legislature.