The South Dakota Legislature is considering applying the death penalty only when public safety officials are murder victims.
A State Senator and retired judge says the death penalty does not deter criminals from committing murder. And he says capital punishment serves only as revenge in a violent society.
But prosecutors testify that victims deserve justice.
Senate Bill 98 now goes to the full Senate for floor discussion and, if it passes there, moves to the House.
Victoria Wicks reports on SB 98 for SDPB.