re: Pope calls for abolition of death penalty

This is a subject that I gave deep thought to for months when I worked in Homicide.

I believe my beliefs are pretty consistent with The Church. I don't believe the death penalty is needed in LA because we have a life sentence without benefit of probation/parole. However, I can certainly see how it could be justified in a state that has a sentence of 20 years to life, and parole is always an option. There are people who should never be allowed back into society.

I was glad when Hillar Moore instituted the "Contract for Life". Which is basically a contract defendants sign in order to avoid the death penalty. They plead guilty to 1st degree murder, no appeals and go straight to Angola. I believe it can save the family of the victim a lot of grief by avoiding all of the appeals.