Capital Punishment; are they really sorry for the crime committed or just sorry they were caught and convicted?

2015-09-30T11:23:28-04:00

I'm using her case as an example, but on the whole, do you feel that these death row inmates are honestly sorry for the crimes and pain they did/inflicted, or are they really just sorry they got caught. I'm not mentioning my views on capitol punishment (but acknowledge it doesn't serve any real deterrent), and will not judge anyone else on theirs. I'm just asking for opinions and thoughts

Georgia inmate Kelly Gissendaner executed - CNN.com

Inmate Kelly Gissendaner was executed early Wednesday morning for the 1997 death of her husband, the Georgia Department of Corrections said.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-09-30T11:30:46-04:00

It is of my opinion that someone who commits a crime then apologizes later for it aren't really sorry for doing the crime but for the fact that they got caught..........and maybe sometimes for the pain they caused..........Because if they were truly sorry, they never would have committed the crime in the first place.........or at the very least confessed the minute they were confronted about it.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-09-30T12:15:12-04:00

That's true of most criminals, SSG Warren Swan. Rarely, did I arrest someone for a felony and take him or her through the justice system, up to the point of sentencing, that they did not whine about how sorry they were for killing, robbing, raping, assaulting, or whatever they did to someone else that landed them in the predicament in which they found themselves. Criminals are all about being badass until they are facing twenty years to life or the death penalty. Then it's "I want my Mommy."

Response by 1LT Aaron Barr made Sep 30 at 2015 12:30 PM

2015-09-30T12:30:28-04:00

I don't think its particularly relevant if they are or not. The purpose of the Justice system is just that, to see to it that Justice is done. Not justice for the accused or the victim but Justice. When viewed in this light, the question regarding the death penalty is whether or not death is a just sentence. In the case of something like this, I think it is.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-09-30T13:16:17-04:00

SSG Warren Swan - Warren, I believe that's a "by individual" case. I have no doubt there have been some convicted felons (murderers, etc..) who probably felt remorse and regretted that life changing decision. However, there are some who are most likely just sad they were caught and even if they claim they have remorse - their sincerity has to be questioned.

Oddly enough, on the political side of things - Libertarians are torn on this issue, as the official party platform is against capital punishment. I would say though, it's a 50/50 split amongst members who identify more with the Libertarian platform. One of the biggest arguments the party makes is fiscal responsibility - and they tout that it's cheaper to keep a person a live vs to put them to death (they factor in the cost of appeals and such). It's an interesting debate - but I follow the belief in that if you commit a heinous crime, you're most likely not worth breathing the same air that I do. I do believe in reform to a degree...but in some crimes, there's no way a person can recover from that mental decision.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 30 at 2015 1:34 PM

2015-09-30T13:34:37-04:00

God forgives, but we still are accountable for our actions. Convicts can become very apologetic as they linger in their cells with all the time in the world to dwell on their previous acts. Only God can know what is truly in their hearts when they claim they are apologetic. This lady was just evil and she has finally paid for her crime.

Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 30 at 2015 2:24 PM

2015-09-30T14:24:41-04:00

The death penalty should be reserved for the monsters in our society; people who do things so evil that there can be no earthly justification for them to live. Serial killers, thrill killers, terrorists, and child killers. Any kind of killing spree should fit as well where there is a trail of victims, let the rest rot in prison. I am sorry does not cut it for people like that even if the really are remorseful.