Should Murdering or Trying to Kill First Responders be a Factor in Federal Death Penalty Decisions? (H.R. 115)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 115?
(Updated April 10, 2018)
This bill would make the murder or attempted murder of a police officer, firefighter, or other first responder an “aggravating” factor in death penalty determinations. It would come into play in cases involving federal jurisdiction (an interstate homicide, or it occurred on federal land, etc.) if the first responder was carrying out their duties when the murder or attempted murder was carried out, because of the past performance of their work, or their status as public officials.
Argument in favor
Murdering or attempting to murder police officers and other first responders who go in harm’s way to protect the public should be an aggravating factor when the death penalty is considered as a sentence.
Argument opposed
The law shouldn’t make something that’s already a crime worse because of the status or occupation of the victim, especially when considering a sentence as controversial as the death penalty.
Impact
The first responders who are victims of murder or attempted murder and their families; those convicted of the murder or attempted murder of an on-duty first responder; and judges considering the death penalty for a relevant convict.
Cost of H.R. 115
The CBO estimates that this bill would have no significant effect on the federal budget.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced this bill to toughen penalties against cop-killers in response to a wave of ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers in 2016:
“We owe a great debt to police officers and first responders across the country. Attacks against law enforcement officers must end. The strong committee vote today sends a clear message to those who target police — you will be held accountable.”
This legislation passed the House Judiciary Committee on a 19-12 vote and has the support of 21 cosponsors, all of whom are Republicans.
Media:
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Sponsoring Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) Press Release
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CBO Cost Estimate
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Sarasota Patch
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Techdirt
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Townhall
Summary by Eric Revell
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