POLICY

The Minnesota Corrections Association opposes the death penalty.  The MCA position was established decades ago and was renewed by the Board of Directors in 2007.

BACKGROUND

The death penalty shouldn’t return to Minnesota.  It doesn’t deter crime and it coarsens society. Indeed, state-sanctioned killing, no matter how carefully and cautiously carried out, sends the message to all our citizens (including potential offenders) that intentional taking of life is acceptable.

Even if the costs can be minimized (which is questionable); even if issues of disparate application to poor and minority offenders can be addressed (not an easy thing in a state that already has a serious problem with racial disparity in its use of prison sentences); and even if extraordinary checks and balances can be built into the process to protect the innocent, the death penalty still debases society. It is a desperate and emotional measure when reason and restraint would better suit our moral and political leaders.

For more information, contact:
Cal Saari (218/885-1375)

11/10/07