Death Penalty Study Commission News
March Hearing
The March hearing of the Study Commission was on the issue of alternatives to imposition of the death penalty. The Committee heard testimony from prison officials who describd the efforts taken to keep prisons safe and secure; and from murder victims' family members, who testified that, although they might not personally oppose capital punishment, the drawn out procedure involved in seeking the death penalty hurt their healing process. The Commission also heard testimony from Randy Steidl, who spent 17 years on Illinois death row for a crime he did not commit.
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DNA Collection from Juveniles
A challenge from staff attorney Barbara Keshen resulted in a suspension of mandatory submission of DNA samples by many New Hampshire juvenile offenders.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has agreed to cease collection of DNA from juveniles found delinquent for the commission of specified violent crimes, and will collect DNA samples only from juveniles found delinquent of certain sexual assaults.
The Department has asked the Office of the Attorney General to provide an opinion on the legality of the challenged practice.
The NHCLU believes that New Hampshire law is clear: DNA samples are required of all adults convicted of certain violent crimes and of specified sexual crimes. Juvenile offenders are required to submit DNA samples only if found delinquent for three categories of sexual assault.
We await the opinion from the Attorney General. We will keep
you informed of any additional legal action that may be required.