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Death penalty debate will return in 2018

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Rep. Delmar Burridge has requested a 2018 bill to abolish the death penalty in New Hampshire.

NH’s sole death row inmate

New Hampshire has not executed anyone since 1939. There is one inmate currently on death row, Michael Addison. Addison killed Manchester police officer Michael Briggs in 2008.

Although the details of Burridge’s bill are not yet public, most other bills attempting to end New Hampshire’s death penalty have specifically excluded anyone already on death row, meaning Addison’s death sentence would stand.

Arguments for and against the death penalty

Rep. Burridge isn't the only elected official who has voiced opposition to the death penalty.

“The death penalty does not protect public safety, it does not shield our police officers, it does not meet the needs of many families of murder victims, it is not consistent with the values we hear from our religious leaders, mistakes are made, and it costs the state more money than the alternative: a process that states simply that those who commit first degree murder will spend the rest of their lives in prison with no chance for parole.” 

- Rep. Renny Cushing, writing in support of a death penalty repeal in 2014

Other officials disagree.

“We believe that this legislation represents a necessary enhancement of protection for those in their homes who have the right to be safe and secure. It will achieve justice for victims and allow for deterrence to those who would enter the homes of others to murder them.” 

- Rep. Phil Greazzo, writing in support of expanding New Hampshire's death penalty in 2011

Read more arguments for and against the death penalty, written by experts from each side of the issue.

Should New Hampshire repeal the death penalty in 2018? Share your opinion in the comments below.

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