I went to a family dinner party last night. We were talking about famous trials etc, and so i asked various guests, what exactly, would they want to hear from a convicted killer, in order to decide if they would receive the DP or not. And I asked specifically, if you were brought into the middle of a murder trial, conviction already set, what would you want the defendant to express, in order for you to extend mercy?
I got the same set of answers and expectations from everyone.
Number one was showing remorse and regret. Seeing the error of their wicked ways. A change of heart.
Number two was a solid reason that they should continue to be among the living, such as their positive qualities and attributes and why they make the world a better place.
Number three was if they were shown to have grown up in a very horrid set of circs, there should be some mercy shown them.
Nobody said that if the victim was mean to the killer or hurt their feelings, that it would mean anything in their verdict.[Only in the case of true physical abuse, which would make it self defense, not capital murder.]
Nobody said that if the victim had shortcomings or human failings, it should apply to the defendants sentencing in any way.
All of them said they would expect a heartfelt, sincere, emotional outpouring in which the defendant admitted their wrongdoing, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the horrible impact upon all the assorted family/friends, and apologized , then begged for mercy.
So far, the DT is falling far short of the above goal.