No moratorium
Bill lengthens suffering of victims

It’s always painful to lose a loved one, especially at the hands of another person. The family members work to get over the loss and, eventually, are able to move on with living their lives, while keeping the memory of the loved one.

This “eventually” comes after justice for the family has been served. The trial, sentencing and, for some, death of the convicted, can leave the family emotionally drained. Often, you hear the family say that only now, since the death of the person who killed their loved one, can they begin to collect their lives and start over again.

Now, as the justice system tries to re-examine the way death penalties are issued, a two-year moratorium on executions is being proposed in Texas.

To the justice system, this seems like a reasonable time to examine a policy that has come under heavy fire. To those on death row it provides a faint glimmer of hope that their case may be re-examined and they may consequently be released from death row.

To the families awaiting the execution of the person convicted of killing their loved one, it means an even longer waiting period for them to begin moving on with their lives.

A re-examination of the justice system is needed to insure the innocent don’t die, but we also need to make sure the innocent — the families — don’t suffer any longer than needed.

Editorial policy: The content of the Opinion page does not necessarily represent the views of Texas Christian University. Unsigned editorials represent the view of the TCU Daily Skiff editorial board. Signed letters, columns and cartoons represent the opinion of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board.

Letters to the editor: The Skiff welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, signed and limited to 250 words. To submit a letter, bring it to the Skiff, Moudy 291S; mail it to TCU Box 298050; e-mail it to skiffletters@tcu.edu or fax it to 257-7133. Letters must include the author’s classification, major and phone number. The Skiff reserves the right to edit or reject letters for style, taste and size restrictions.