Reversing a nationwide trend, a bill that would expedite the death penalty process in Florida is going to Gov. Rick Scott's desk. On Monday, the Florida Senate passed legislation that would create shorter time frames for the appeals process and take away the governor's discretion of when to order the execution. SB 7083, also known as the Timely Justice Act, passed through the Legislature's upper chamber on a 28-10 vote. It passed in the House last Friday.
According to an analysis, Florida death row inmates generally spend more than 13 years on death row. The Sunshine State currently has 405 inmates on death row, more than any other state except for California. It also has the highest number of death row exonerees, however, with 24.
Since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, Florida has executed 75 people, causing Mark Elliot with Floridians for Alternative to the Death Penalty to note, "That's one exoneration for every three executions." He added, "Legislation that speeds executions by limiting appeals will almost certainly lead to the execution of innocent men and women."
This article appears in Apr 25 – May 1, 2013.