New Mexico governor repeals death penalty in state

[ccharles000]

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson signed a bill Wednesday repealing the death penalty in his state, his office confirmed.

"Regardless of my personal opinion about the death penalty, I do not have confidence in the criminal justice system as it currently operates to be the final arbiter when it comes to who lives and who dies for their crime," Richardson said in a statement Wednesday.

He noted that more than 130 death row inmates have been exonerated in the past 10 years, including four in New Mexico.

"Faced with the reality that our system for imposing the death penalty can never be perfect, my conscience compels me to replace the death penalty with a solution that keeps society safe," he said.

With the governor's decision, New Mexico joins 14 other states that don't impose the death penalty. Several other states, including Colorado, Kansas, Maryland and Montana, are considering changes to their

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/18/new.mexico.death.penalty/index.html

[Taverner]

1. W00t!!!!

Its about time

Life in prison is so much cheaper, it gives the chance for "repentance" and it doesn't make us into murderers too

[anonymous171]

2. YES! nt

[Luciferous]

3. Good for him

While there are definitely people out there who deserve the death penalty, our system is too flawed. I hope the other states considering the changes follow suit.

[jobycom]

4. And another pocket of civilization flares for hopefully more than a moment. nt

[ZombieHorde]

5. Happy news. nt

[tekisui]

6. knr!~ Well done Mr. Richardson

[grantcart]

7. Namaste Governor Richardson

[ccharles000]

8. kick

[Peace Patriot]

9. Good news! Glad to see a politician with a conscience! nt