Law society give judges leeway to set aside death penalty
strait times/05 april 07

The law society wants the madatory death penalty for crimes such as, drug trafficking abd fire arms-related offences be scrapped. Instead, it wants judges to be given the discreatuib to either sentenceoffenders to death, or just a jail term.
Now, the question of fairness sets in. Lets say the murderer happens to be a wealthy fellow and is able to engage a superior and experienced lawyer. This would set as an advantage for him or her because this lawyer will be capable of convincing the judge. Hence, they could stay away from a death penalty despite them being guilty.
Justice no longer prevail here.Furthermore, it proves to us that money can buy almost everything, even justice. Such a regulation will absoultely disadvantage the poor.
If the aim of the law was to protect the powerless in the first place, i do the see the light in such a decision made.