In the capital sentencing trial of Fernando Belmontes, a judge instructed the jury to ignore evidence of a convicted murderer's rehabilitation during the capital sentencing phase. Should rehabilitation be a factor in whether or not the death penalty is applied?
Tucker was executed in 1998 after allegedly becoming a born-again Christian while on death row. In a 2000 interview with Tucker Carlson, then-Governor George W. Bush horrified Carlson by mocking Tucker's unsuccessful attempts to plea for clemency.
Williams, co-founder of the infamous Crips gang, was executed in 2005 after years spent writing and speaking out against gang violence.
Death Row Conversions
Although the case does not deal specifically with the rehabilitation of prisoners already sentenced to death, it will no doubt bring to mind memories of the controversial executions of Karla Faye Tucker and Stanley "Tookie" Williams.Tucker was executed in 1998 after allegedly becoming a born-again Christian while on death row. In a 2000 interview with Tucker Carlson, then-Governor George W. Bush horrified Carlson by mocking Tucker's unsuccessful attempts to plea for clemency.
Williams, co-founder of the infamous Crips gang, was executed in 2005 after years spent writing and speaking out against gang violence.