Could Troy Davis' Execution Help End Death Penalty?
Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis' execution on Wednesday has made global headlines. The case has captured the interest of those around the world partially because it sparks a debate about the death penalty in the United States. Was Troy Davis' death penalty fair?
Many of Davis' supporters have pointed out that his case is filled with inconsistencies.
But, are these inconsistencies enough to cast doubt on his murder conviction?
It certainly caused a furor in the social media world, as Davis' case went viral.
Facebook users changed their profiles. Twitter users sent out messages using hashtags like "#IamTroyDavis."
The reason for this increased dialogue? Many feel that Davis is innocent. Others believe that there is enough reasonable doubt in his case to set him free or stop the execution.
Whether or not Davis' execution will have an impact on public support for the death penalty remains to be seen.
A recent poll showed that 64% of Americans support the death penalty. There are currently 34 states with the death penalty and only 16 states without it.
Americans remain divided, though. Some support capital punishment while others think the death penalty should be abolished.
Some 130 prisoners have been exonerated and released from death row since 1973, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
Troy Davis' execution certainly has started a dialogue about the death penalty. But, whether or not his execution will profoundly impact public opinion remains unclear. Whether or not Troy Davis' death penalty was justified remains up for debate.
Related Resources:
- Troy Davis: How did we get here? (AP)
- The U.S. and the Death Penalty (FindLaw)
- Troy Davis Clemency Denied: What is Clemency? (FindLaw Blotter)
- States Death Penalty Rates See Decline (FindLaw Blotter)