Inconsistent Standards

The case of Troy Davis is so interesting because it gives me such an odd and skeptical perspective on our current society. How can we be such an advanced nation yet we pose such inconsistent standards on crime and punishment? The argument about capital punishment in itself is very inconsistent, as it is left to the decision of each U.S. State. I do not understand how a life or death situation should be left up to the discretion of anyone less than the national level. And from a larger perspective, most advanced nations have already abolished the death penalty and are cynical about the conflicting standards of the U.S.

The Troy Davis case, specifically, is a very problematic situation. By chance, Troy was convicted in a state that favors the death penalty. Further, he was convicted without any physical evidence or murder weapon. What is most disturbing is that the trial was only based on witness testimonies, which was said to be inconsistent even at the time of the trial. Granting a death sentence based on this faulty trial is very disconcerting.

I just hope that our criminal justice system improves and that the battle for granting Troy a new and fair trial is reached.

-Megan Tyson