Since as far back as I could remember, I always believed in the ideal "an eye for an eye. This is not saying much considering that I believed in this during my childhood years. But now that I have grown up and understand the world a little bit better, I don't always believe in it. What I am referring to is the death penalty. Two people could debate this issue for hours, perhaps days or more if needed. However, I"m not writing this essay to take sides, one way or the other; I am just trying to prove that justice is not always served with the death penalty. Since 1973, over 100 people who were sentenced to death have been found innocent and released. But not before having to serve many years in prison, with many serving more than ten. Imagine how horrible that must feel, first to be wrongfully accused of serious offense and other than being acquitted in a court of law, being convicted and sentenced to death. .
Nothing in this world is perfect and the death penalty system is not. With the above statements said, a question that many people raise is "how many innocent men and women were put to death under the system?" The answer to this question is clearly unknown, but to raise this question at all, proves that justice has not always been served. Here are some examples of people who were fortunate enough to not have been part of that question, yet should have never been put in the situation in the first place.
Anthony Porter: Porter whose IQ has been measured between 51 and 75, came within two days of being executed for murder, when the Illinois Supreme Court ordered a stay of execution to examine his mental fitness. This gave Porter enough time for the primary witness against him to come forward and recant his testimony. The real murderer was later discovered and was sentenced to 37 years in prison.
Delma Banks, Jr.: Banks is a 43-year old African-American man. The State of Texas intended to execute him on March 12, 2003.
