An Alternative to CAPITAL PUNISHMENT - William F Dankenbring - November 1972

William F Dankenbring

Many criminologists advocate the death penalty for capital crimes. But others say capital punishment doesn't deter crime. Many feel it is cruel and inhuman. Is there a workable alternative to capital punishment? This article examines both sides of the controversy. Joseph Bernard Morse, at age 20, murdered his mother and sister. His mother, 58 years old, was beaten to death with a rock. His 12-year-old sister, who was crippled with cystic fibrosis, was smothered with pillows and beaten with a ball bat and a rock. Morse was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. But because of a legal technicality, the conviction was overturned and a retrial ordered. A new jury gave the accused life imprisonment. Eight days later Morse killed again. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library