Hank Skinner

I do think injustice was averted by issuing a stay of execution in November.  No matter what decision was made during the trial, with today’s technology, the untested DNA evidence should be tested.  It would be ethically wrong to not test the evidence at this point.  First, the prosecution should have had a more moral agenda during the trial and should have pushed to test the DNA then.  Instead, it went along with the defense’s decision to ignore the evidence, just so they could be sure to convict Skinner.  While the case is closed and it might set a dangerous precedent to allow the evidence to be tested, it would be morally wrong to ignore evidence that could potentially prove a man innocent, and therefore save a life.  I don’t think that the evidence should be ignored any further and it would be unjust to execute Skinner without thoroughly examining all of the evidence and being sure he is a guilty man.

The dueling websites are interesting in my opinion.  I find it very interesting how fascinated the public can become with a case, and even end up mocking another side’s opinion.  While some people feel strongly about the death penalty and cases regarding it, I think these sites are extreme.  It doesn’t seem that the sites really have much factual evidence to support their claims and they only display the information that solely support their arguments.  They are incredibly biased and should not be used as a resource for people who want information about the case.  Ultimately these websites are great examples of how obsessed our society is with crime and trials.

Aside from the very biased dueling websites, I think that the media coverage of the case is ultimately to benefit the media companies and such, but the reports still seem to be supporting a just outcome.  The media latched on to the case because it involved Rick Perry during his campaign and a controversial case and issued about the death penalty; two things that attract the attention of the public.  By covering this case in depth, the media benefits, of course.  So one could say the media has an agenda to make money.  But it also seems that the media is pushing for the DNA testing, and therefore wants to find justice.