Senate Leadership
May 22, 2009
Looney Supports Senate’s Repeal of Death Penalty
Connecticut could join 15 other states in elimination of death penalty
Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) has helped to lead passage of an historic bill that repeals the death penalty in Connecticut and replaces it with a life sentence in prison without the possibility of release.
The Senate voted to overturn Connecticut’s death penalty — which has been in effect in its current form since 1973. The bill passed the House on a 90-56 vote on May 13 and now heads to Governor M. Jodi Rell’s desk.
“I can some say with certitude that in all my years in the General Assembly, today’s vote to repeal the death penalty is one of the most historic votes that I have cast,” said Senator Looney.
“I know from my own experience as a defense attorney that mistakes are made in the judicial system: innocent people are convicted of crimes and unequal punishments are given for the same crimes,” continue Senator Looney. “It is impossible to reconcile this truth with our current law, which allows for the government to execute an individual.”
During the debate over the death penalty, Senator Looney articulated three reasons for his opposition to the death penalty:
- Human error exists in the criminal justice and an execution is irreversible.
- There is no compelling evidence that the death penalty serves as a deterrent.
- The lengthy legal process involved with the death penalty sentence can inflict more emotional distress and harm on a victim’s family than the sentence of life in prison with no chance of release.
If signed into law by Gov. Rell, the bill would become effective upon passage. It is NOT retroactive and would NOT apply to anyone already facing criminal charges that could result in a death sentence. As of March 3, 2009, there were 10 inmates on death row in Connecticut.
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