Triggerman rule; redefinition thereof, penalty. (SB961)
Introduced By
Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg)
Progress
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Introduced |
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Passed Committee |
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Passed House |
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Passed Senate |
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Signed by Governor |
X |
Became Law |
Description
Redefinition of the triggerman rule; penalty. Redefines the "triggerman rule," which currently provides that only the actual perpetrator of a capital murder is eligible for the death penalty and that accessories and principals in the second degree can be punished only as if guilty of first degree murder. This bill allows principals in the second degree and accessories before the fact to be charged as principals in the first degree in the cases of murder for hire, murder involving a continuing criminal enterprise, and terrorism. This bill allows, in all other cases of capital murder, a principal in the second degree to be tried as a principal in the first degree if he had the same intent to kill as the principal in the first degree. The bill allows an accessory before the fact to be tried as a principal in the first degree if he ordered or directed the willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing. Amends § 18.2-18 (“How principals in second degree and accessories before the fact punished.”), of the Code of Virginia. View Full Text »


Comments
Murder is wrong! in any and all circumstances. It does not matter who commits the murder -- the state or an individual. It is a violation of humanity -- mine and the person whose life is ended and all members of the human community. This bill seeks to create a justification for allowing the execution of a human being. I say NO! to murder, especially when it is done purposefully by the state in my name.
this isnt right just because your fellow felon killed some guy doesnt mean you should die for it!