Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Ending death penalty could save US millions: study
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Asia Pacific
World
Ending death penalty could save US millions: study
AFP - Tuesday, October 20
Send
IM Story
Print
File photo shows the interior of the San Quentin Prison execution chamber in claifornia. Even when executions are not carried out, the death penalty costs US states hundreds of millions of dollars a year, depleting budgets in the midst of economic crisis, a study released Tuesday found.
WASHINGTON (AFP) - – Even when executions are not carried out, the death penalty costs US states hundreds of millions of dollars a year, depleting budgets in the midst of economic crisis, a study released Tuesday found.
"It is doubtful in today's economic climate that any legislature would introduce the death penalty if faced with the reality that each execution would cost taxpayers 25 million dollars, or that the state might spend more than 100 million dollars over several years and produce few or no executions," argued Richard Dieter, director of the Death Penalty Information Center and the report's author.
"Surely there are more pressing needs deserving funding," he wrote, noting that execution was rated among the least effective crime deterrents.
In just one death penalty trial "the state may pay one million dollars more than for a non-death penalty trial. But only one in every three capital trials may result in a death sentence, so the true cost of that death sentence is three million dollars," the study's author said.
"Further down the road, only one in ten of the death sentences handed down may result in an execution. Hence, the cost to the state to reach that one execution is 30 million dollars," Dieter added in the report entitled "Smart on Crime."
The center's goal of ending executions may still be an uphill battle.
The report comes just a week after a new poll found that 65 percent of Americans still favor the death penalty.
Legal in 35 of the 50 US states and used regularly in about 12 or so, the death penalty has been reconsidered recently in 11 states, largely because of the high costs associated with its use.
Colorado came close to eliminating execution but New Mexico was the only state to abolish it, in March.
"There is no reason the death penalty should be immune from reconsideration, along with other wasteful, expensive programs that no longer make sense," Dieter stressed, noting that most US states that pay to maintain a system to execute inmates have in the past three decades put to death only a handful of convicted criminals.
"The same states that are spending millions of dollars on the death penalty are facing severe cutbacks in other justice areas. Courts are open less, trials are delayed, and even police are being furloughed," Dieter said.
In Pennsylvania, 200 police posts sit unfilled, and in New Hampshire trials were put on hold for a month to save money.
Dieter says that keeping execution while reducing its costs is not realistic. If less money is spent on appeals, he argues, the risk of executing an innocent person will increase.
He said that ultimately, execution does not deter crime as its supporters hope. Capital punishment has been abolished in most western democracies, and after it was eliminated in the US state of New Jersey in 2007, the state saw its murder rate decline.
Dieter cites a poll of 500 local police chiefs, which was paid for by the DPIC and released on Tuesday, showing support for ending capital punishment.
The survey found that the police chiefs see the death penalty as the least effective tool in deterring crime. They suggest more efficient use of resources -- such as boosting funding for drug and alcohol abuse programs.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
'Big Brother' winner accused of selling oxycodone AP - 1 hour 28 minutes ago
The top 10 singles and albums on iTunes AP - Wednesday, October 21
New Versailles exhibit reflects Sun King's glory AP - Wednesday, October 21
Swiss court orders Polanski kept in jail AP - Wednesday, October 21
Director to donate to Japanese dolphin hunt town AP - Wednesday, October 21
News Search
Top Stories
Swiss court rejects Polanski bail
US scientist faces court over attempt to spy for Israel
Australian burglar betrayed by leech
German rail faces fine for email spying: spokesman
EU has doubts, but unlikely to challenge Opel sale
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Balloon boy parents ready to surrender to police: lawyer
US balloon drama 'was a hoax': police
IBM executive in insider trading case placed on leave
Euro chiefs express 'worries' over US, China export squeeze
World 'catastrophe' if no climate deal: British PM
More Most Viewed »
Oldest hominid skeleton sheds light on human origins
Boyzone singer Gately dies in Spain
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Asia Entertainment
Photos
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Tuesday, 20 October 2009 Iraq picks up pace on oil deals, elections loom
ETA 'political chief' believed held in French raid
Plastic Logic to unveil first e-reader in January
ETA's 'political chief' held in France: Spain
Abu Dhabi Media Co. invests in music video site VEVO
Parents, care groups venture into children's digital limbo
U.S. keeps Sudan sanctions but offers dialogue
US-TECH Summary
Balloon boy parents ready to surrender to police: lawyer
Stimulus 'saved 250,000 education jobs': W.House
Spotify to launch mobile offering with 3, HTC
Sudan says new U.S. policy has positive points
| International
|
Iran and western powers hold 'constructive' uranium talks
Iran accuses US, Britain, Pakistan over bombing
Karzai vote cut to 48%: US monitor
Abu Dhabi Media Co. invests in music video site VEVO
Afghan fraud probe seen depriving Karzai of outright win
Egypt's Moussa does not rule out presidency run: report
| International
|
Afghan fraud report orders vote invalidation
Honduras de facto leader lifts ban on media, protests
| International
|
Kurd militants surrender to back Turkish reforms
| International
|
Colombia probes vice president over militia ties
| International
|
Feds issue new medical marijuana policy
Lawyer for balloon boy's parents expects charges
LA's top prosecutor vows to target pot shops
Octuplets mom's doc expelled from organization
Calif toddler OK after 30-foot fall onto rocks
Japan first lady awarded for looking good in jeans
Hurricane Rick weakens as it approaches Mexico
Japan's first lady honoured as 'jeans ambassador'
Chinese ship seized as Somali piracy drifts East
Fed boss says US should cut budget deficit
Beyonce's Kuala Lumpur debut postponed
Health care issues: What president, Congress have
China builds quake monitoring station at Everest
Bosses Who Bully Likely Feel Incompetent
Unspoken rules govern cell phone etiquette
| Technology
|
A Fortnight Before Elections, Paper of Record Endorses Gov. Corzine
U.S. Plane Carrying Marine Commandos Ordered To Land For Straying Into India
Motorola rises ahead of next Android phone launch
| Technology
|
Bernanke warns against trade imbalances
Nissan's Ghosn is bullish on electric vehicles
JAL loss to be larger than expected: report
Madonna's New York neighbor sues over noise
| Entertainment
|
Andy Garcia takes on Saakashvili role
| Entertainment
|
Colombian town cancels concert over Uribe T-shirt
| Entertainment
|
Nobel winner slams Bible as 'handbook of bad morals'
Beyonce postpones Malaysia gig amid Islamist ire
Singer death column sparks Twitter rage
Slight drop in attendance at Frankfurt Book Fair
Phil Collins not pounding the skins
Def Leppard cancels N.American tour dates
| Entertainment
|
Elvis' hair leaves the building -- sold for $18,300
Beyonce delays Malaysia show amid Muslim criticism
D'oh! Bash marks 'The Simpsons' 20th anniversary
'Babel' director Inarritu heads Tokyo fest jury
Karzai under pressure after poll fraud probe
Karzai likely to agree run-off election
| International
|
U.S. video game sales up 1 percent in Sept; PS3 top: NPD
EU has doubts, but unlikely to challenge Opel sale
Pakistan forces seize key town in Waziristan push
| International
|
US videogame sales break losing streak: NPD
Iran accuses US, Britain, Pakistan over lethal bombing
IBM executive in insider trading case placed on leave
Iran vows reprisals after bombing kills dozens
Iran demands U.N. council condemn bomb attack
| International
|
US consumer electronics spending to rise this Christmas: CEA
Iran, Western powers hold 'constructive' uranium talks
Google wooing Microsoft business customers
Kurd militants surrender to back Turkish reforms
Euro chiefs express 'worries' over US, China export squeeze
Honduras de facto government scolds Zelaya, talks stall
| International
|
Unspoken rules govern cell phone etiquette
Egypt's Moussa does not rule out presidency run
Airbus, others sued in U.S. over Air France crash
| International
|
West Bank separation barrier draws protests
Somali pirates seize Chinese ship in Indian Ocean
| International
|
Sunni insurgent group in Iran
IT spending to rebound in 2010: Gartner
Spain says Cuba's Castro committed to reform
| International
|
Hurricane Rick kills man, nears Mexico coast
| International
|
Philippines starts evacuation ahead of new typhoon
| International
|
AP source: Karzai expected to accept he fell short
Judge postpones another Ohio inmate's execution
Taiwan seeks high-level US visit: official
Federal judge shutters Idaho grazing allotment
NJ mass murderer who killed 13 in 1949 dies at 88
New Zealand to hold referendum on voting system
Baby food recalled, may be tainted with botulism
Justice blocks names in gay rights ballot measure
USDA: Pork Safe To Eat Despite H1N1 Virus In Minnesota Pig Sample
U.S. Markets Gain As Dow Keeps Climbing Above 10,000
Philippines starts evacuation ahead of new typhoon
Aussie junior sailor asleep in collision: inquiry
New York Times To Cut Another 100 News Staff Jobs
US to ease prosecutions for 'medical marijuana' use
Japan's Samurai art on show in New York
U.S. video game sales up 1 percent in Sept; PS3 top: NPD
| Technology
|
Barnes & Noble e-reader has color, $259 price: report
| Technology
|
US says ready for NKorea talks
Any North Korea meeting must lead to six-way talks
Somali pirates seize Chinese ship in Indian Ocean
HRW urges fair hearing for jailed Kazakh activist
Philippine militants abduct school principal
Japan's Toyota sells new models in SKorea
Nissan in electric car batteries recycling venture
Detroit faces siege by Hollywood movie
Seoul shares rise 0.5 pct on LG Display, Lotte
S.Korea T-bonds edge down on foreign sale
Taiwan mulls easing controls on LCD tech in China -paper
Japan FM suggests 50 trillion yen bond issuance: Nikkei
Seoul shares up; LG Display rises on Corning news
Nissan aims to make batteries 'core business': Ghosn
China to invest in Zambia despite downturn: official
Michelle Obama to appear on Jay Leno Show
| Entertainment
|
U2 teams with YouTube for live concert broadcast
| Entertainment
|
Detroit faces siege by Hollywood movie
| Entertainment
|
NBC Universal's Graboff says TV windows collapsing
| Entertainment
|
Judge allows Chris Rock Good Hair film to open
| Entertainment
|
Where the Wild Things Are tops weekend box office
| Entertainment
|
NKorea's showcase Arirang festival ends
Adam Lambert single leaked online
| Entertainment
|
Birkhead: Prosecutor chastised my testimony
Arrested Development to air on IFC
| Entertainment
|
Campaign to stop mass animal sacrifice in Nepal
NBC Universal's Graboff says TV windows collapsing
"Biggest Loser" trainer hits the road in new series
U2 teams with YouTube for live concert broadcast
Judge allows Chris Rock "Good Hair" film to open
Kenyan training camps running into trouble
Michelle Obama to appear on "Jay Leno Show"
Adam Lambert single leaked online
Iranian-American academic gets 12 years for unrest
German rail faces fine for email spying: spokesman
Australian burglar betrayed by leech
Aghanistan to hold election run-off Nov 7
Abbas says to issue decree for Palestinian vote
| International
|
Group behind deadly Iran bombing based in Pakistan: FM
Karzai to accept final vote result: spokesman
Iran honors Guards killed in attack, blames U.S
| International
|
Iran court jails U.S.-Iranian scholar: report
| International
|
Pope makes it easier for Anglicans to convert
| International
|
North Koreans quit Danish embassy in Hanoi for South Korea
| International
|
Berlusconi sparks feminist backlash in Italy
| International
|
Iran says Vienna talks won't curb nuclear drive
| International
|
Psychiatrist describes Anna Nicole as addicted
Jury selected in Birmingham, Ala., mayor's trial
Lawyer: Nurse assistant denied care after attacks
Biden to reassure Poles during European trip
US scientist accused of trying to sell secrets
Ain't that America: balloon boy's cultural moment
US scientist in court over attempt to spy for Israel
Apple smashes forecasts, stock hits record
| Technology
|
Playing the White House: music on a higher scale
Police Detectives Save Bronx Cat Trapped In Car Engine
Another Top Conservative Chooses To Support Gov. Crist's Rival
Former NASA Scientist Charged With Espionage
Biden Visits Central Europe To Allay Concerns About Missile Defense
Authorities Focus On Transient's Role In Massive WildFire That Killed 2 Firefighters
Illnesses Often Not Discovered Among The Uninsured
Taiwan stocks edge higher, helped by tech shares
S.Korea spotted buying dlrs to curb won's rise -traders
Seoul shares rise 0.6 pct on LG Display; POSCO down
Bank of China exec resigns, tipped for IMF post
China auto output hits record 10 mln: state media
Temasek raising $1.5 billion from bond sale
Beijing Autos says watching ex-Ford engineer case
China auto output hits 10 mln units for 1st time
U2 to stream entire concert live on YouTube
| Entertainment
|
Hardness is the way to happiness: sex survey
Swiss court rejects Polanski bid for release
| Entertainment
|
Indonesia's Yudhoyono sworn in for second term
China's anniversary film breaks 400M yuan mark
Indonesians fed up with crippling graft, poverty
Lessons of balloon hoax to go unlearned: analysts
From Colombia to Lebanon: Father Dario Escobar
Epic African roadtrip aids poor ahead of 2010 WC
Ashkalis: suffering of Kosovo's forgotten minority
Bumper harvest turns sour for Bulgaria's grape growers
Tensions rise as Bhutan refugees leave Nepal
Ending death penalty could save US millions: study
Wine country renaissance near Bordeaux
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights