In the news today is a ruling on a death penalty case in which Justice Alito voted to stay an execution pending more arguments before the appeals court.{1] This is news because Justice Alito did not vote with Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Scalia and Thomas. The death penalty certainly can be just and right. It is within the powers of the State, if exercised appropriately. The key though is "exercised appropriately," which translates to "only when we cannot otherwise protect society." I doubt we are in such straights anywhere near as often as we sentence to death. And so I can understand Alito's vote. Let us pray that he votes pro-life not only on this issue but on all.
- Ms. Gina Holland. "Alito Splits Ranks With Conservatives in Missouri Death Penalty Case" The Associated Press. 2006-02-03 http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1138874710211&rss=newswire