By IL Radio Network
Springfield, IL – THE ILLINOIS STATE BAR ASSOCIATION HAS COME OUT FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY.
THE LAST ILLINOIS EXECUTION WAS IN 1999 AT THE TAMMS CORRECTIONAL CENTER. SINCE THEN, A MORATORIUM SUPPORTED BY TWO GOVERNORS HAS BEEN IN PLACE, BUT THE DEATH PENALTY IS STILL IN THE STATUTE BOOKS, AND CONVICTS ARE STILL SENT TO DEATH ROW.
STATE BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT JACK CAREY OF BELLEVILLE SAYS THAT IF THE DEATH PENALTY IS REPEALED, AS THE BAR ASSOCIATION SAYS IT SHOULD BE, THERE WILL BE AN ADVANTAGE TO THE DEFENSE IN WHAT WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN DEATH PENALTY CASES.
CAREY HOPES THE RESOLUTION WILL HAVE SOME INFLUENCE WITH LAWMAKERS, THOUGH HE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY PROBABLE ENJOY THE CURRENT SITUATION: NO EXECUTIONS TAKING PLACE, BUT NO NEED TO VOTE TO REPEAL THE DEATH PENALTY.