This is real! (Los Angeles, Folsom: low income, 2009, apartments)

[phloxy]

Originally Posted by bayarea-girl

phloxy, the op was referencing life prisoners and I believe that people who have gotten a life sentence got it because of a very serious criminal offense and should do the time. I was not referencing lessor offenses. If it were up to me as I mentioned previously, really there wouldn't be long prison stays. In my eyes if you killed someone you shouldn't even be allowed to communicate with your loved ones, go to school, eat steak, take drugs, watch tv, have sex, etc.; oh no in my court of law your days would be numbered. That would be an example for others not do commit the crime.

Time and time again it has been shown that the death penalty is not a deterrent to others who might commit crimes. And until the racist elements and socioeconomic prejudice of the criminal justice system is fixed, we have no business putting people to death for any crime.

As I said, I knew someone who did time for second-degree murder. Seeing the person he was years later after doing his time, a state-sanctioned killing would have just been throwing another life down the drain. Not only that, but death penalty cases cost significantly more than having someone spend life in prison. So why add more violence, when it doesn't even deter crime?

The reason there are long prison stays and appeal is because so many of these death penalty cases are complete cluster****s with subpar representation for the accused, forced confessions, bungled police work, and prejudice against minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status.

[phloxy]

Originally Posted by OldSchool53

Guys & Gals, You are right. I am new to this forum. Hell, I'm new to the Net! I seem to be having a hard time navigating this thing. My second post went to Arkansas and Scarecrow 57 sent it to California for me. I think I started out in Sacramento but obviously took a left turn somewhere along the line. So, someone give me a clue. Are there instructions to be found in this place?

After you read and watch the forums for a while, you'll catch on to how they work. I see that you filled out your profile already, so you're off to a good start!

Here's one thing that will help you a little to find your way. Up on the right, where it says "Welcome, OldSchool53," you can click on your screen name and go to your profile. There you'll see an area below your name, with different tabs. Click on "Statistics" and scroll down, and then you can click on "Find all posts by OldSchool53" and "Find all threads started by OldSchool53."

Then you can always find your way back to the threads you've been participating in or starting since they won't always stay on the first page of the forums or subforums.

[buckeyenative01]

Originally Posted by bayarea-girl

buckeyenative01, jail is NOT suppose to be a comfortable place. When is jail suppose to be the new retreat? I wouldn't be surprised to find out in addition to all their counseling and excersing that they have a need for a massage too and get it. Jails in the US should resemble some of the worst jails in other countries that way the rate of frequent visitors and long stays can be avoided. There is something wrong when people say that jail should be comfortable.

When and where did I say jails should be resorts?

On the flip-side of that argument, should a nonviolent offender be thrown in the same cell with a serial killer? Some prisoners can be rehabilitated, but for those that at least show a willingness to learn from past mistakes, it is incredibly hard to do given the current state of our prison system.

There's way too much gray area for anyone to say "Lock 'em all up and throw away the key."

[JustPassinThru]

Originally Posted by phloxy

The reason there are long prison stays and appeal is because so many of these death penalty cases are complete cluster****s with subpar representation for the accused, forced confessions, bungled police work, and prejudice against minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status.

During the Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) panic of the eighties, a relative of mine was one of nearly 4 dozen mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers who were put on trial for non-existent crimes. My relative spent four years in Folsom before the judgement was overturned. (There were no tortured or murdered children, just coerced testimony from scared kids.) One grandmother died in prison, another young man spent 20 years behind bars before he was released.

As a result of this case, new laws were written to specify how minors are to be interrogated. But this came too late for the dozens of lives that were ruined by an overzealous D.A.

It should be recognized that everyone behind bars may not be guilty, or not guilty of a heinous crime. If we, as a nation, can match our desire for justice with an equivalent amount of compassion, I think we'll be alright.

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by JustPassinThru

It should be recognized that everyone behind bars may not be guilty, or not guilty of a heinous crime.

I think it's a sure thing that there are people in prison who are not guilty of the crimes they are serving time for. I just hope that a lot of these innocent prisoners are guilty of other, equally bad crimes.

[JustPassinThru]

Originally Posted by Lovehound

I think it's a sure thing that there are people in prison who are not guilty of the crimes they are serving time for. I just hope that a lot of these innocent prisoners are guilty of other, equally bad crimes.

And what do you wish for the innocent prisoners?

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by phloxy

Time and time again it has been shown that the death penalty is not a deterrent to others who might commit crimes. And until the racist elements and socioeconomic prejudice of the criminal justice system is fixed, we have no business putting people to death for any crime.

As I said, I knew someone who did time for second-degree murder. Seeing the person he was years later after doing his time, a state-sanctioned killing would have just been throwing another life down the drain. Not only that, but death penalty cases cost significantly more than having someone spend life in prison. So why add more violence, when it doesn't even deter crime?

The reason there are long prison stays and appeal is because so many of these death penalty cases are complete cluster****s with subpar representation for the accused, forced confessions, bungled police work, and prejudice against minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status.

you know, it may not be a deterrent but have you heard the saying "a tooth for a tooth"..? The only reason it costs so much, is all the appeals. I have no problem with an appeal and I will give you the benefit when you say those in lower income brackets do not get the same representation..That being said,
more lower income people do commit crimes, there is no way you can argue this one and 2-DNA is a big help in determining guilt. How would I like to see the system work? (not that anyone cares) first evidence, then trial, the verdict and if it is guilty, an appeal, maybe 6 months down the road so another lawyer or group of same can defend to the best of their ability. If the verdict remains the same, no new trial, it is over..Sorry if that sounds harsh and I am sure it does...but that is how I feel. Now, when should the death penalty be considered? Only in the most extreme cases. the Manson family murders, the OJ Simpson case, rape and murder of a child or murder of a child or elderly person period..There are a few others I can think of, but you get what I am saying. How can anyone think someone who commits these types of murders should live, in or out of prison..???

Nita

Nita

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by JustPassinThru

And what do you wish for the innocent prisoners?

Justice.

However, if they are guilty of other crimes than the ones they are serving time for, well you know what they say: "What goes around comes around."

[Synopsis]

If and when they are to be let out they should be educated to integrate into society. Otherwise, they need to be kept locked up.

[JustPassinThru]

Originally Posted by Synopsis

If and when they are to be let out they should be educated to integrate into society. Otherwise, they need to be kept locked up.

Which is the point made by the OP and others, as parolees receive little or no education to facilitate their integration into society.

So, is that really your solution? To keep people locked up, even after they have paid their debt to society?