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2001 SESSION
HJ 508 Study; death penalty.
Introduced by: Robert G. Marshall | all patrons ... notes | add to my profiles
SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:
Death penalty. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the need for a moratorium on death sentence executions in the Commonwealth. In conducting the study, the joint subcommittee shall (i) determine whether there should be a moratorium on the implementation of the death penalty in Virginia; (ii) ascertain the circumstances under which any innocent Virginia defendants have been sentenced to death; (iii) determine the procedures that should be established regarding post-conviction access to forensic evidence, including DNA testing when such testing could result in new evidence of innocence; (iv) examine whether there is any racial, economic, class or other disparity in charging, prosecuting and imposing the death sentence; (v) determine the extent and cause of any disproportionalities found in charging, prosecuting and imposing the death sentence; (vi) consider the circumstances regarding the sentencing to life imprisonment versus the death sentence for those convicted of murder; (vii) evaluate the adequacy of capital representation and any criteria for the qualification of counsel, particularly counsel appointed for low-income defendants; (viii) determine the incidences of escape from Virginia's death row and whether other persons, including civilians, guards or inmates, were harmed during the duration of such escapes; (ix) evaluate the behavior of inmates sentenced to life imprisonment for murder; and (x) consider any other issues relating to the fair and impartial administration of the death penalty.
FULL TEXT
HISTORY
- 01/10/01 House: Presented & ordered printed, prefiled 11/13/00 011938824
- 01/10/01 House: Referred to Committee on Rules
- 02/04/01 House: Tabled in Rules (16-Y 1-N)