A new rule for death row
Death penalty sentences should be carried out on the fifth anniversary of the sentencing date.
That would put the defense attorneys on notice that they have five years to mount their defense. The tactic of waiting until the day before the execution to file a first motion would not be allowed, and all anticipated motions must be filed in time to be heard and ruled on before that fifth anniversary.
John Gajdos, Morro Bay
This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 2:02 PM with the headline "A new rule for death row."