Spike in N.C. Executions Blamed on Debate (Looming Moratorium)

[DUreader]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-3327385,00.html



RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina is on track to
execute more inmates this year than in any other
since 1949, and capital punishment foes say the
state is picking up the pace for fear lawmakers
may soon impose a moratorium.

Prosecutors call it a mere coincidence.

Death penalty opponents are pushing for a
two-year moratorium that would give time to
examine whether capital punishment is fairly
administered, a proposal House lawmakers plan to
consider this spring. The Senate approved a
moratorium in April.

``The executions have continued even while the
North Carolina Senate endorsed a two-year
moratorium,'' said coalition spokeswoman Cas
Shearin. ``That just doesn't seem like very good
public policy.''

Four inmates have been executed so far this year.
Two are scheduled to die in November and one in
December.