, most death sentences arent carried out until all appeals have been made, which could take several years. Because the process is so slow, most states grant automatic appeals to people who are sentenced to death. Still, inmates spend an average of 10 years on death row (Allen). Ted Bundy, who was convicted of the murders of more than 50 women, was on death row for ten years (Bartlett). There are 60 inmates nationwide that have been on death row for over 18 years. Judging from the way that Matttew acted in the 11th hour, if he knew that he would be killed immediately for his part in raping and killing those kids, I dont think he would have done it. The victims family can wait years before they see an execution and finally have some closure. The families the movie had to wait six years to see Matthew Poncelet executed. During the six years of waiting, the grief and heartache those kids families suffered through made me feel like Matthew deserved to die. Their children didnt have six years to plead for mercy before they were killed, so why should he. I admit that his beliefs and attitude made if hard for me to have any sympathy for him, but I also believe in an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth teachings that are discussed in the Bible. The government has come up with one way to speed up the process; although everyone has the right to an attorney, the state isnt obligated to provide an attorney for the appeals process (Bartlett). In his first scene, Matthew lets the audience know (if you didnt already) that there arent many rich guys on death row. Since most death row inmates are poor, they cant afford lawyers for an appeal. Matthew was just lucky enough to have a person who cared enough about him to find an attorney to take his case free of charge. The death penalty will never completely deter violent crime, we as a society will always have crime. There is no punishment that can completely eliminate violent crime, but there are ways ...
