Connecticut Senate Bill SB00494

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/24/19

Caption

An Act Restoring The Death Penalty For The Crime Of Murder With Special Circumstances.

Impact

The restoration of the death penalty under SB00494 would have considerable implications for the criminal justice system in Connecticut. It would specifically revise existing laws pertaining to capital felonies, potentially leading to increased costs associated with legal proceedings and execution protocols. This bill could also influence public perception of the state's approach to crime and punishment, recalibrating debates around deterrence and justice in cases involving heinous crimes.

Summary

SB00494 is a proposed legislative act aimed at restoring the death penalty for individuals convicted of murder with special circumstances in the state of Connecticut. The bill seeks to amend chapter 952 of the general statutes to reintroduce capital punishment for murder offenses committed on or after the effective date of the act. This move represents a significant policy shift, as Connecticut had previously abolished the death penalty, reflecting a broader trend across many states towards phasing it out in recent years.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB00494 include concerns about the morality and effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime. Opponents of capital punishment argue that it disproportionately affects marginalized groups and that the legal system is not infallible – highlighting the risk of wrongful convictions. Supporters, however, contend that restoring the death penalty serves as a necessary tool for achieving justice for victims and their families, particularly in cases involving extreme violence and special circumstances.