killing the young girl refused to sentence him to death because two of the 12 jurors said they could not determine whether or not he would be a future threat to society!In 1957, Richard Biegenwald murdered a store owner during a robbery in New Jersey. He was convicted, but not given a life sentence rather than death. After serving 17 years, he was paroled. He violated his parole, was returned to prison, but was again paroled in 1980, after which he shot and killed an 18 year old Asbury Park, New Jersey girl. He also killed three other 17 year old New Jersey girls and a 34 year old man.To allow these murderers out of prison was an enormous mistake, costing many innocent people their lives.In addition, capital punishment could deter future criminals. If felons believe that they are more likely to be arrested, convicted, and executed, they will be less inclined commit homicides. As John McAdams (Marquette University, Political Science department) stated, If we fail to execute murderers, and doing so would in fact have deterred other murders, we have allowed the killing of innocent victims. (www.prodeathpenalty.com)The sentencing process for capital punishment cases is long and thorough. First the criminal must be arrested and indicted for the crime (Pre Trial), then found guilty (Guilt Phase Trial). The third step, Penalty Phase Trial, it is determined whether aggravating circumstances (factors that make the crime worse, such as criminal record, facts of crime, etc.), mitigating circumstances (not excuses but factors that may lessen punishment, such as mental impairment or deprived background), or victim impact (effect on victim and/or the family of the victim) are involved. Next the convict is sentenced. Crimes that are punishable by the death penalty are as follows: Capital murder, first-degree murder, capital felony with aggravating circumstances, and in some states capital sexual assault, treason, contract murder, train wrecki...
