I don't beleive in the death penalty, or the US's prison system that holds thousands of people for life without the possibility of parole.
This is not a discussion of what is worthy of life in prison, only of what is merciful. Why cannot a permanent prisoner ask to die? Life in prison is a shadow life, cut off from family and friends for many, and filled with the dangers inherent to prisons.
So if you are a prisoner for life without parole, none of your appeals have gone through, why not allow them death? Have a psychiatric evaluation, determine that the person isn't in the throws of a resolvable crisis, then start the process. Allow the person one year to make up his mind, repeat evaluation, then allow them to die, with dignity, by the method of their choice.
Life should never be used as punishment, and for many people arrested in their early 20s and incarcerated for ever, their senses become a prison. Show some mercy, justice system.
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Robin Sneed
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I am an advocate of treating prisoners with mental conditions, and that's why I think there should be a two year waiting list before anyone can die.
Once again, I reccomendd this option only for people who will never leave prison, not those with some hope.
@Neil Paul- So let them speed it up! I never said many people want this option, only that it should be allowed, as I do not presume to understand the mental state of a long term prisoner.
I know that idea makes many people nervous, if not downright unhappy or even plain old indignant.
So be it.