PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two bills that would repeal Pennsylvania’s death penalty have advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee.
Philadelphia Democrat Chris Raab said the criminal justice system is not perfect, and as long as there can be a wrongful conviction, there should be no death penalty.
“There are no take-backs here. It's irreversible. It is expensive, and our government does not have the moral authority to put people to death,” Raab said.
In addition to Raab’s bill, the State House Judiciary Committee also advanced a similar bill from Republican Russ Diamond, who notes Pennsylvania hasn’t carried out an execution since 1999. But because of appeals, the costs of a death penalty conviction are significantly higher than life in prison.
“A life sentence without the possibility of parole is a harsh penalty and tough justice. Continuing to pursue the death penalty is a moral minefield riddled with far too many flaws and excessive expense for taxpayers.”
Diamond also noted the ongoing appeals of death row inmates, and said it’s against Christian beliefs.
“Our criminal justice system is the self-defense mechanism for a civilized society, but there is no element of self-defense in executing someone already in captivity; permanent incarceration satisfies our collective need for self-defense.”
Both bills advanced, but on the same party-line vote, with all Democrats on the committee in favor and Republicans opposed.
Despite the partisan vote, Rabb said he’s confident there is enough Republican support in both chambers to get the bill to the governor’s desk.
