Posted by John Nichols on July 27, 2004 at 18:44:17 from 165.91.197.137 user Mcneacail.
In Reply to: Re: George Owdon ....... posted by Amanda on July 27, 2004 at 17:17:00:
Immigration
Actually AR had a lot of problems with immigration and his wife if my memory serves me correctly from my readings. I am sure one of the elderly relaxed genteel English gentlemen who frequent this site can fill in the missing holes in the matter. I seem to remember from RTC that it was a visa matter for his wife(?). But I could be wrong again.
In terms of settling, I was not using the term in the strict civil sense. I was meaning more an offer and acceptance such as - you plead guilty to murder 2 and we will drop the capital murder charge. I am aware that smaller jurisidications in Texas proceed on that basis as they can not afford a capital murder trial cost, and if my memory serves me correctly Houston County (as a % of the population) has the most capital murder charges because it can afford them and it helps the DA get re-elected.
The death penalty in TX is all about politics and has nothing to do with correcting the behaviour of potential or existing criminals. This is a personal opinion of an Aussie who sits 50 miles from the execution capitol of the world. Also if my memory serves me correctly the execution rate in TX in the last few years approaches the dark days of England in the 1820's. I am waiting for the return of the tumbrill and the ladder. Much more exciting than a needle. We could sell seats as well such as the widow did at the execution of Lord Ferrer.
Is there a more correct term for this bargaining practice?
John