MASSACHUSETTS, USA. LAWMAKERS REJECT BILL TO RESTORE DEATH PENALTY

November 15, 2005: Massachusetts lawmakers rejected a bill that would have revived capital punishment in a liberal US state that has not put anyone to death since 1947, defeating a proposal by its Republican governor. Gov. Mitt Romney, who is considering a run for the White House in 2008, proposed the bill in April with "virtually foolproof" provisions untested in other states that he said would have ensured Massachusetts only executed the guilty.
It was roundly defeated by 100 votes to 53.
"There is no guarantee under this bill, or under any other death penalty bill, that we wouldn't execute an innocent person," said Rep. David Linsky, a Democrat who worked as a state prosecutor for 14 years.
"Executing an innocent person is not something a civilized society should even consider doing," he added.
The bill would have applied capital punishment only in certain first-degree murder cases and required "conclusive scientific evidence" such as DNA or fingerprints that links a suspect to the crime scene, the weapon or a victim's body.
It would have demanded a sentencing jury to find there was "no doubt" about a defendant's guilt, a tougher standard than the current "beyond a reasonable doubt."
Romney unveiled the bill weeks before the May 13 execution in neighboring Connecticut of convicted serial killer Michael Ross -- the first person executed in New England in 45 years.
Massachusetts is one of 12 US states without the death penalty. The governor's opponents said that by not allowing capital punishment the state already ensures that innocent people are not executed. (Sources: Reuters, 15/11/2005)