Air Date:02/18/2010
By Jenifer JonesA bill that repeals the death penalty failed to move out of the House Health and Human Services Committee. Members voted eight to five to defer the bill to the 41st legislative day. Proponents of the measure say the death penalty is immoral and costs the state money. But South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says getting rid of the death penalty won't amount to a cost savings, and could hurt when negotiating plea agreements. "Sometimes cases are resolved for life imprisonment as opposed to the death penalty," Jackley says. "So if the death penalty is no longer available that will result in less plea agreements for life sentences and perhaps more trials which will in fact be more costly to society."Jackley says the death penalty is a deterrent and provides protection for the public. There are currently two individuals on death row in South Dakota.Member stations can download the audio file here.
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