Connecticut House Bill HB05445

Connecticut 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/10
• Refer: 3/4/10

Caption

An Act Concerning The Death Penalty.

Impact

The bill intends to enhance the fairness of capital punishment proceedings by requiring prosecutorial officials to consult with victims' families and allow defendants a chance to present mitigating facts before a decision is made to pursue the death penalty. It emphasizes collecting comprehensive data on demographic factors related to both defendants and victims, potentially addressing concerns regarding racial and ethnic disparities in death penalty cases. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual training for public defenders and prosecutors, aiming to improve the quality of legal representation in death penalty cases.

Summary

House Bill 05445, known as the Act Concerning the Death Penalty, aims to reshape the processes surrounding capital punishment within Connecticut's judicial system. The legislation proposes significant changes to the way death penalty cases are prosecuted, particularly focusing on the requirements for prosecutorial authorization before seeking the death penalty. This includes the establishment of a Death Penalty Authorization Committee that will review and authorize requests, thereby improving oversight and accountability in such critical legal decisions.

Contention

Despite its reformist intentions, HB 05445 is not without contention. Critics argue that while the bill seeks to add layers of protection, it could inadvertently complicate and delay proceedings in capital cases. There are concerns that requiring additional steps, such as obtaining authorization from the committee, could hinder timely justice for victims' families. Proponents of the bill contend that the measures will prevent arbitrary applications of the death penalty and eliminate biases that may have influenced previous cases.