Should death row inmates have the right to counsel by chaplains of their faith?

[Vinayaka]

If you're on death row, it would seem obvious that you would be able to speak with someone of your own faith? that seems like religious freedom to me. Here;s the link:

Another US State Denies Non-Christian Death Row Prisoner’s Religious Rights

Thoughts?

 

[Baladas]

I agree with you that this is an issue of religious freedom.
People should be free to speak with chaplains of their own faiths.

This discrimination is not right and reflects a prejudice against minority (especially non-Abrahamic) religions.

 

[Twilight Hue]

If you're on death row, it would seem obvious that you would be able to speak with someone of your own faith? that seems like religious freedom to me. Here;s the link:

Another US State Denies Non-Christian Death Row Prisoner’s Religious Rights

Thoughts?

It would be the decent thing to do in a civilized society to grant the condemned a degree of solace .

 

[ChristineM]

Why not? Christians are allowed visits from representatives of their faith. America is not a christian country despite what many christians claim. It is multi faith.

Denying a death row inmate a representative of their own faith amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. Maybe in the case of the religiously sensitive inmate it can amount to psychological torture.

 

[Vinayaka]

It would be the decent thing to do in a civilized society to grant the condemned a degree of solace .

It wouldn't be that hard to do ... just gather a few volunteers from various faith groups, much like some airports do for translators where language is an issue for immigration. My city's international airport (actually Canada immigration) has a list of volunteers.

But if it happens in the prison situation, wonder what happens still in faith administered hospitals.

 

[Rival]

Yes, of course.

 

[Valjean]

It seems to me a death row inmate doesn't have many options. What 'councel' could he be given?

 

[Rival]

It seems to me a death row inmate doesn't have many options. What 'councel' could he be given?

The benefit of having someone non-judgemental and comforting to talk to, to achieve spiritual solace and to ask questions about their spiritual path.

 

[sooda]

If you're on death row, it would seem obvious that you would be able to speak with someone of your own faith? that seems like religious freedom to me. Here;s the link:

Another US State Denies Non-Christian Death Row Prisoner’s Religious Rights

Thoughts?

That's terrible.. Do they employ any Rabbis or Catholic priests?

 

[Vinayaka]

That's terrible.. Do they employ any Rabbis or Catholic priests?

I think a court challenge would straighten it out. Maybe, because of relative rareness, that hasn't happened yet. I know nothing more than what the article said. We don't have death rows here in Canada.

 

[sun rise]

Yes, of course, people should have that right.

 

[Cooky]

If you're on death row, it would seem obvious that you would be able to speak with someone of your own faith? that seems like religious freedom to me. Here;s the link:

Another US State Denies Non-Christian Death Row Prisoner’s Religious Rights

Thoughts?

A prime example of how prisoners are treated sub-human by the State. Surely someone with authority could authorize pre-interviewed chaplains of every religion... I'm sure they wouldn't have trouble finding volunteers.

...All it takes is for some State employees to care.

 

[Cooky]

But making any kind of policy changes in government seems impossible at times. It's such a shame.

Another example of a positive policy change would include the requirements in hiring law enforcement. These people should not be militant. But we can say this until we're blue in the face, and still the current trends won't change. Does government just 'know' better than the people? It seems that's the attitude they take at times.

 

[Revoltingest]

A prime example of how prisoners are treated sub-human by the State. Surely someone with authority could authorize pre-interviewed chaplains of every religion... I'm sure they wouldn't have trouble finding volunteers.

...All it takes is for some State employees to care.

It's a religion thing.
And which religion's believers have the singular truth, & are in total control of government?
You guessed it....so their religious services are the only one offered.

 

[Cooky]

It's a religion thing.
And which religion's believers have the singular truth, & are in total control of government?
You guessed it....so their religious services are the only one offered.

I see it as a bit more of a State flaw. Look at how ridiculous the DMV is -lines outside the door? Make it faster! Then there's the archaic voting systems?

Progress in State politics is worse than watching paint dry... This isn't 1910, where Buddhist population numbers could be counted with two hands.

That's just my perspective.

 

[Kangaroo Feathers]

If you're on death row, it would seem obvious that you would be able to speak with someone of your own faith? that seems like religious freedom to me. Here;s the link:

Another US State Denies Non-Christian Death Row Prisoner’s Religious Rights

Thoughts?

I'm astonished this is even a question. How the Christian dominionists who justify this nonsense can live with their hypocrisy floors me.

 

[Subduction Zone]

This is a major Supreme Court case begging to happen. The expense of even temporarily hiring a chaplain of the appropriate faith is nothing compare to the cost of an execution. Sometimes the religious can be amazingly blind when it comes to the rights of others.

 

[We Never Know]

This is a major Supreme Court case begging to happen. The expense of even temporarily hiring a chaplain of the appropriate faith is nothing compare to the cost of an execution. Sometimes the religious can be amazingly blind when it comes to the rights of others.

Are we talking the day of his last day or continually throughout the 10-20 years a person sets on death row.
I would think any priest would come in free of charge to save a sinner even if its once a month.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Are we talking the day of his last day or continually throughout the 10-20 years a person sets on death row.
I would think any priest would come in free of charge to save a sinner even if its once a month.

A quote from the OP's link that tells us that this would almost certainly be a one time visit:

"Under Texas Department of Criminal Justice policy only employees are allowed in the room for executions. TDCJ employs no Buddhist chaplains."

So we are not even talking about once a month. We are talking about once in a lifetime. This is going to cost those states far more in legal fees than they would ever spend on prisoners from one legal case only.

 

[We Never Know]

A quote from the OP's link that tells us that this would almost certainly be a one time visit:

"Under Texas Department of Criminal Justice policy only employees are allowed in the room for executions. TDCJ employs no Buddhist chaplains."

So we are not even talking about once a month. We are talking about once in a lifetime. This is going to cost those states far more in legal fees than they would ever spend on prisoners from one legal case only.

I don't see a problem with letting them visit with a priest of their choice before the are taken down the green mile.