Texas Watch

Texans need death penalty moratorium

05/03/2001 - Texas Watch: Don't drink toast to wine bill yetThe Dallas Morning News has argued before for a moratorium on the death penalty. State leaders readily admit the failings of Texas' indigent defense process, which this Legislature looks to change. The fact that death row is populated with the poor, mainly minorities, troubles the conscience and questions the system's fairness. A moratorium on executions would allow changes to be implemented and a commission to review the process. Those already convicted would not be retried, but an in-depth review of a few cases might be warranted. Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, this week tried including a moratorium in a separate bill setting execution dates. House members did not appreciate the stealth move. Nonetheless, legislators should approve a capital punishment study and a resolution to allow voters to support or deny a moratorium. It's unfortunate, however, that the governor and legislators have not been politically brave enough to call for the moratorium themselves.