Just end it

North Carolina evidently perceived a racial bias in its death penalty convictions. In response, they passed a law that would require the sentence be commuted if race played a part in the jury or prosecutor's decisions. If we've got to this point, why not just end it already? We can all admit the criminal justice system is rife with imperfections. North Carolina is at least frank enough about the racial element that they tried to address it. But racial bias isn't the only problem. In fact, it could easily be argued that one reason the imposition of the death penalty and minority status have a correlation is because there is also a correlation between minority status and the ability to fund a vigorous defence. Such an imperfect system has no business putting anyone to death.

What, Exactly, Does NC's 'Racial Justice Act' Mean? We'll Know Soon - Law Blog - WSJ