Nebraska residents share their anticipation for the soon-to-be 2016 elections with residents in the other 49 states and the District of Columbia. However, in addition to the race for the White House, Nebraskans will decide many other things that hit a bit closer to home. Among those is an issue related to the death penalty in the state.
While views on capital punishment run the gamut and are divided throughout the nation, the same is true in Nebraska. At one time, the state had in place a death penalty but that has been eliminated. However, an effort just last year by certain groups found it once again on the table for discussion and now it is on the 2016 ballot.
People who want to essentially reinstate the death penalty in Nebraska will vote to repeal the prior elimination of the law. Those who want to maintain the elimination of the death penalty will vote to retain the elimination. Emotions and opinions on the matter are strong on both sides. Those who are against an active death penalty say it is costly and that the money can be better spent on crime prevention activities. It can also be used to fund treatments for people with mental illness or even drug abuse problems.
While Nebraska residents need to wait and see how the vote turns out, anyone who faces serious criminal charges may wish to talk with an attorney. This gives a good opportunity to fully understand the potential penalties associated with the charges.