From North Carolina-One by one, dozens of potential jurors being picked through in a capital murder case have been queried about their opinion of the death penalty.
More will be questioned this week in preparation for Robert Dennis Dixon’s trial. Dixon, 49, could face the death penalty if found guilty of first-degree murder, hiring men to kill his stepmother in 2007.
Since jury selection began Aug. 5, the standard question asked of jurors is whether they have “any moral, personal or religious beliefs” about the death penalty that would impair them from fairly hearing the case.
Their responses are varied and display deeply held beliefs, especially where religion is concerned. Most state they support the death penalty in limited cases based on a combination of personal and religious beliefs. A few people have been excused for strong religious convictions against capital punishment.
When religion is the basis for their beliefs — either for or against capital punishment — they often cite the Bible.
More here-
http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/top-news/the-bible-tells-me-so-prospective-jurors-cite-scripture-religion-in-death-penalty-case-1.188682
No comments:
Post a Comment