From the AP in Tennessee:
State prosecutors say a death penalty study committee formed by the Legislature is unfairly stacked with too many members who oppose the punishment.James "Wally" Kirby, executive director of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, has told legislators the committee's intent is to abolish capital punishment.
Committee members contend, however, their group was formed to review how the state carries out the death penalty and that they're not trying to ban it.State lawmakers last year created the 16-member committee, which has looked at costs associated with the punishment, who is sentenced and the quality of the lawyers representing the accused.
A proposal to extend the panel's life will be taken up this week in the legislature. It would allow the committee to continue working past the one-year deadline before issuing its findings.
Previous post on Maryland is here.
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