Reports and Addresses Upon the Subject of Capital Punishment (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1848 Excerpt: ... IN ASSEMBLY, May 4, 1846. REPORT Of the select committee on the subject of capital punishment. Mr. Titus, from the select committee to whom were referred the numerous petitions from various counties of the state, asking for the passage of a law to abolish the death punishment; REPORTS: That the committee, fully recognising the importance and solemnity of the subject committed to their consideration, have, so far as their opportunities would allow, carefully examined and seriously deliberated upon the same; and feeling deeply the critical responsibility attaching to legislation on so serious a matter, and knowing the vital interests involved in the final settlement of the question, they have endeavored to release their minds from the influences of preconceived opinions, and from that habit of thought incident to old associations and connected with institutions of long standing. They have studiously desired to strengthen themselves against that weakness of our nature, which, however amiable in its character or gratifying in its indulgence, does, nevertheless, through our sympathies and sensibilities for the criminal; warp the judgment and relax its determination. Under such a sense of their duty, and with the earnest wish to arrive at a conclusion which, having truth for its foundation, should be best calculated to promote the welfare and security of society, the committee proceeded in their investigation of the subject, and after calm and mature deliberation, a majority of their number (being as four to one, ) have become convinced that the death punishment is not enjoined upon society by any divine commandment, and that the civil enactments requiring its execution, are unjust and inexpedient. The majority of the committee desire herewith to present some of t..