Ian Huntley/Life Sentences

dinahsmum · 05-09-2006, 08:50 AM

So - another attempt on his own life. No suprise there.

I'd like to talk about how life (and maybe other) prisoners are treated. Don't want to talk about the death penalty, other than to say I don't think the state can take life - the state is there to protect life, if nothing else.

So, people who have committed crimes so dreadful that they are sentenced to life in prison, or 20 years without leave to seek parole or similar .... how shall we treat them?

Well, I think they are there to be punished. So, a 12' by 12' cell, with a bed, a chair and a toilet. Ten minutes of vigorous exercise in the gym per day. One small photograph of a loved one. Adequate food, but nothing special. Porridge for breakfast every day, bread for supper. A main meal based on potato/pasta/rice. No choice, except take it or leave it. One newspaper per week, one hour of radio or television per week, one book from the prison library per week. No tobacco, alcohol or any drug. Strict visiting regime, behind glass - no touching. Any other priviledges - sweets, extra TV, etc - to be earned by 'homeworking' in the cell. Huge priviledges - an hour of radio per day, additional visits etc - to be available by volunteering as medical guinea pigs, for the most dangerous of drugs/procedures.

Doesn't sound much fun does it? It's not meant to be. However, I think possibly the most basic human right is the right to life. Taking away another person's right to life is the reason prisoner is in there. So, I think they should have the human right to decide they wish to relinquish their life. It is inhumane that these people have the means to end their life taken away when they lose their shoe-laces etc. Not sure how you'd do it. Maybe pills, with the prison chaplain to witness to ensure it is voluntary etc.

I'd be interested in other people's view.

Donna · 05-09-2006, 06:28 PM

I agree with all of your points re: what they should have whilst in prison, but I disagree with them being able to "cop-out" by ending their own life.

I ultimately agree with the death penalty but if we disregard that, then they did the crime so they have to do the time I say.

Let him rot in hell (although I know its not quite hell).

borderdawn · 05-09-2006, 07:37 PM

My belief is that he has caused suffering himself, he should endure the punishment himself. I dont care for these cowards that want a quick way out now the tables are turned, life means life to me, and staff should do their utmost to ensure they stay alive and live with their regret (if they have any) all their natural life.
Dawn.

Moli · 05-09-2006, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by borderdawn

My belief is that he has caused suffering himself, he should endure the punishment himself. I dont care for these cowards that want a quick way out now the tables are turned, life means life to me, and staff should do their utmost to ensure they stay alive and live with their regret (if they have any) all their natural life.
Dawn.

Agree entirely with you on this one...

dandysmom · 05-09-2006, 08:42 PM

Seems to be a consensus so far: do hard time in prison with no luxuries, and do it until his/her life ends naturallly....no coward's way out!

Kim · 05-09-2006, 08:44 PM

Yes, I agree with you too. Life should definitely mean life, they should have a very basic life in prison with little privileges. Certainly no comforts or luxury and basic meals. Your regime sounds spot on DM, you have obviously given this some thought!

I'm not sure about the death penalty. In some ways I feel that it they have taken a life then they deserve to lose theirs, but if prison was harsher then a life sentence would be harder to endure. Perhaps the relatives of the victim should decide??

Kazz · 05-09-2006, 08:54 PM

I agree and I do think life should mean life - but not sure about the death penalty. I am reasonably sure I am "non commital" because I have no -personal interest - I state this Malcolm a workmate of mine for a good few years - and a friend he and his wife lovely people have three girls happiness. Malc is the one of the most reasonable people I have ever met, and very laid back. Sadly end of 2004 Jane's Mom and Dad moved from B'ham (from next door to Malc and Jane and the girls, as their support as babysitter wasn't needed as the girls were all teens) to Scotland.
And within 2 months, Janes' Mom was dead killed in her own home, and her husband (who was 79) beaten and stabbed he died in hospital 2 weeks later.

Now Malc and Jane (believe the death penalty should be reintroduced) the court case is still ongoing and has been for about 8 months due to "cancelations" etc etc.

So at the moment I think no to the death penalty but if it touched me then I suspect I would say and eye for and eye. And want my pound of flesh.

borderdawn · 05-09-2006, 08:56 PM

Terrible story Kazz, and I can understand their feelings.

I used to think living on death row was a breeze, so to speak, an easy way out, no different to life, but now I think its a far worse punishment than life in prison, because although they will probably eventually be killed, the waiting, the worrying of when must play on them terribly. I have no problem with the death penalty, but life in prison, I do think can be worse.
Dawn.

dandysmom · 05-09-2006, 09:20 PM

I used to be a staunch believer in the death penalty. However, over the years, there have just been to many cases of DNA evidence turning up exulpating the prisoner, cases of false witness, and of course the ever-present racial problem we have here with blacks being sentenced way out of proportion to their percentage...that I no longer support it. Maybe, just maybe there might be a case of such absolutely horrifying cruelty that I could support death; but don't think that's really up to the State to determine. Life without any possibility of parole, and HARD TIME!!

EmmaG · 05-09-2006, 09:44 PM

I believe that if a person who has committ such terrible acts as Ian Huntley did and there is 100% proof that he did (or admitted to it) then if he wants to take his own life let him. As a taxpayer I certainly don't want to feed/provide heat and the basic necessaties for that type of scum. I would prefer my money go to a trust fund for the family of the victims to use as they wish.

If prisioners want to do their time and make up (or at least try to) for their crimes, then the prision system is the place for them, but Ian Huntley wants to die, if he ever got released what will he do? take his own life?

He is dammed already.

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