Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Harlem) says sometimes one or two jurors save the life of a convicted criminal who deserves to die. He's sponsoring a bill that would allow a judge to sentence a defendant to death without a unanimous jury verdict. As long as at least 10 of the 12 jurors favored the death penalty, the judge could impose it under the measure.
"It's time to stand up," Fleming told House members, "and if you believe in the death penalty in Georgia, do away with these terrible cases where a heinous murder occurs and, because one or two people went through the jury process, claimed they'd apply the death penalty and don't, allow the death penalty to be vetoed."
The measure has sparked a heated debate. Former Judge and Prosecutor Robert Mumford (R-Conyers) says the bill would "defame" one of the cornerstones of American jurisprudence for no reason.
"There are 107 convicts awaiting death today," Mumford said. "Are we having difficulty getting convictions? Are insufficient numbers receiving the penalty?"
He received applause from spectators in the public viewing gallery. Then the debate continued. If the bill passes, it would go to the Georgia Senate.
