I was asked only one question. 

           I had started my testimony on repeal of the death penalty by saying, “I’ve told this committee in prior years that the death penalty is inherently flawed.  You can’t always get it right.  There’s always the risk that innocent people will be executed.

            “Last week Governor Quinn  of Illinois said that as well, when he signed the law repealing capital punishment in that state.” 

              My tone was deliberate but emotional. 

             After I finished, the chairman asked if there were any questions. 

             “Why should we get rid of something when we never use it?” asked a delegate.

              “More than one warrant for execution will be on the Governor’s desk before his term ends,” I replied.  “The decision to end capital punishment in Maryland should not be made by one person but by the people’s representatives in the legislature.”

 March 15