Skinner Case

The death penalty is one of the most contested debates in America, with people deeply entrenched on either side. Modern technology such as DNA has caused a number of death row inmates to have verdicts reversed and to be found innocent. Additionally, the use of the death penalty statistically is more likely in certain types of crimes, namely violence to whites. As a society that upholds the death penalty as the proper and necessary reaction to truly violent and terrible crimes, it is imperative that we ensure it is only given to the worst of the worst and that it is applied without bias in these situations.

Hank Skinner, a Texan on death row for the violent murder of his girlfriend and her two sons, is an example of difficult it is to fairly apply the death penalty. Skinner believes that DNA evidence from the scene of the crime could at least prove the murder scenario created by police is not complete. However, DNA testing has never been done. The state of Texas refuses to allow Skinner to test the evidence, stating even with new information he still couldn’t prove his innocence. While the murders committed were truly horrific and tragic, it is unjust for the State of Texas to railroad Skinner into the execution chamber. Not only is this a potential killing of an innocent man, this refusal to examine evidence shows lack of respect for the victim by potentially allowing the true killer to walk free. He should not be released from prison unless there is evidence of his innocence; however this time from the stay of execution should be used to reexamine the case. Additionally, Texas has spent so much time and money fighting something they claim will not change the outcome of the case—wouldn’t it have been quicker and cheaper to allow the DNA testing?

This debate is framed by 2 visually identical websites: one for Skinner and one against him. I honestly don’t know what to think of either website. I am confused to the foreign contacts on the pro-Skinner site; it almost seems like it could be some sort of scam. On the other hand, the negative site relies on inflammatory and derogatory statements to make its case. I would not use either one as accurate information.

I think the media seems biased against the application of the death penalty in this case, hence the continued high level of media coverage. The articles all seem to focus on the gross injustices that have occurred in Texas: I would not say they are pro-Skinner, but they do seem to be highly skeptical of Texas prosecutors and government, making Texas seem like an almost blood hungry state.