Death Row Payday: More money in Delay

Clarence Ray Allen will be put to death at San Quentin State Prison on Jan. 17, 2006. That is the day after he turns 76. He has been on death row for 23 years. Allen is the poster boy for the present day legal system in America. He is proof that there is more money in delaying justice than in determining justice quickly. Without Allen, there would have one less inmate to generate jobs for the prison system for 23 years. Without Allen there would be less legal fees generated over 23 years for some lawyer. Without Allen there would be less demand for judges to review his appeals over 23 years. Does it sound too cynical? What's the alternative explanation? It does in fact take 23 years to carry out justice. I'd rather be cynical and follow the money.

The legal process has to be shortened. For example, whether the case be civil or criminal a trail should and could take no longer than a week. Two days for prosecution, two days for defense and one day for judgment. The only losers would be the attorneys in billable hours. Appeals would be limited to only one.

Delaying justice only rewards the guilty and the members of the legal system that aid and abet them.