Proposed: Major Changes in Current Law

Death Penalty Origin
In the year 2348 BC, when Noah and his family exited the ark just after the flood, God created capital punishment in Genesis 9:61: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man.” Later, other crimes were so designated.

Georgia’s first execution was in 1735 AD2. Since that time, 1,022 executions have occurred in Georgia. That’s the fifth-highest total in the U.S. Treason, aircraft hijacking and murder are death penalty offenses in Georgia. However, murder must be accompanied by aggravating circumstances before the death penalty can be sought. If treason and aircraft hijacking were to be deemed a crime against the state, capital punishment may be an option.

The electric chair was used in Georgia in 1924 and, primarily, until October 5, 2001. After the Supreme Court declared electrocution cruel and unusual punishment, Georgia converted to lethal injection, which remains, currently.
From March 2014 – March 2019, Georgia imposed no death sentence. From 1983 through January 30, 2020, a total of 76 people were executed in Georgia. As of February 3, 2020, 43 men and one woman were/are on death row. The death penalty cannot be imposed without a unanimous jury decision. If a single juror rejects the death penalty, a life sentence is issued.

Clemency power is vested in the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, whose governor-appointed five members serve with advice and consent of the State Senate.
H.B. 916 Repeal Death Penalty introduced February 19th by Representative Sharon Beasley-Teague would (a) prohibit capital punishment in Georgia and (b) commute the sentence of death to life without parole for inmates currently on death row. Regardless of outrageous or wantonly vile, horrible, or inhuman torture, depravity of mind or aggravated battery to the victim, a death penalty could not be imposed or sought, if H.B. 916 passes as written.

ACTION – Oppose. Contact Judiciary Non-Civil Committee Representatives Efstration, Ch., 404 656-5105; Reeves, V-Ch., 651-7737; Gravley, Sec., 463-8143; Ballinger, 656-7153; Boddie, 656-0109; Cooper, 656-5069; Dickerson, 656-0314; Fleming, 656-5125; Kendrick, 656-0109; McLaurin, 656-0202; Momtahan, 656-0177; Sainz, 656-0177; Setzler, 656-7857; Silcox, 656-3949;Trammell, 656-5058.

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