Another state, namely Connecticut, has acknowledged the fact that the death penalty fails to serve any legitimate purpose and does not comport with contemporary standards of decency. According to the Court, “Upon careful consideration ofthe defendant’s claims in light ofthe governing constitutional principles and Connecticut’s unique historical and legal landscape, we are persuaded that, following its prospective abolition, this state’s death penalty no longer comports with contemporary standards of decency and no longer serves any legitimate penological purpose. For these reasons, execution of those offenders who committed capital felonies prior to April 25, 2012, would violate the state constitutional prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.”
This analysis is instructive for the state of Missouri.
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