Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Frontline: Clifford Boggess

The death penalty is an unchangeable punishment. Those on death row, like Clifford Boggess, have committed especially heinous crimes. However, too often I believe the death penalty is used as an “eye for an eye” punishment. It is more seeking vengeance than seeking justice. Though the justice system helps families of loved ones compensate for their losses, I do not believe that taking another life will fill the void they feel from the loss of their own.
Clifford Boggess made a strong case for his religious beliefs. However, I am not so convinced that he necessarily believed in his new religion, or even his own religion. However, I do believe he had faith in his religion. I think Boggess was trying to find himself, and trying to find any kind of hope, and religion was one of the ways he was hoping to find himself. I more so believe that Boggess was looking at this new religion as another chance at hope and redemption. I am also not very convinced that Boggess felt remorse for his crimes. I do believe in giving people second chances. Life in jail often is its own punishment. It is a constant reminder of the crimes one has committed, and they are forced to live with the consequences of their actions every day. I almost think that is more grueling than being put to death. However, though I am not one to support the death penalty by any means, I am not sure that life in prison would have had the same affect on Boggess. Though Boggess was able to grow in jail, and find new abilities. Not once did he say that he regretted committing his crimes. He apologized for them, but never wished he could take back what he did. I almost got the feeling that he felt remorse for his life more than for his actions. Though he did grow in jail, and find new passions, they were actions for himself, to try to save himself. Therefore, though he may live with some guilt, that constant reminder of his actions is not so much a punishment. He seems to be at peace with his crimes, even after hearing back from a victim’s family member who refused to accept his apology.  
I have come to learn that too often our justice system is flawed. Defendants are often given unfair trials, bad lawyers, minimal evidence, and poor witness testimonies. The death penalty is an unchangeable sentence. To put someone to death when we are only half sure of what actually happened would be a mistake on the part of the justice system. However, I do not believe that taking the life of another person should be considered justice in any situation.