Clarification/Follow-up by tomder55 on 12/08/05 1:24 pm:
In California, the average delay is 13 years and 5 months so even by Cal. standards he is over-due. Perhaps if he hadn't become a cause-celeb the sentence would've been dealt swifter . here is the record of the appeal process for him .

Clarification/Follow-up by ETWolverine on 12/08/05 1:31 pm:
Excon,

Just wondering about your definition of a "life sentence". You comment that Tookie has already served a "life sentence" and should not be punished a second time with execution.

I thought that "life sentence" means "you spend the rest of your life in jail until you die." As far as I know, Tookie is still alive. He, therefore, has not served a "life sentence". Granted, he has served a very LONG sentence (though not long enough for the murders he committed), but it does not constitute a life sentence.

Or is my definition of "life sentence" inaccurate? What does "life sentence" really mean, if not "until you are no longer alive"?

Clarification/Follow-up by Choux on 12/08/05 2:45 pm:
The death penalty is only "satisfying" if it occurs soon after the judge's sentencing.....when it is dragged out over almost 25 years, it becomes cruel and unusual punishment.


PS Just made a case, I'm against abortion and capital punishment.