Liberals do not understand this simple axiom: criminals behind bars cannot harm the general public. To that end, we support mandatory prison sentencing for gang crimes, violent or sexual offenses against children, repeat drug dealers, rape,
robbery and murder. We support a national registry for convicted child murderers. We oppose parole for dangerous or repeat felons. Courts should have the option of imposing the death penalty in capital murder cases.
Source: 2012 Republican Party Platform
, Aug 27, 2012
Support the death penalty
The Republican Party and President Bush support a federal Constitutional amendment for victims of violent crime that would provide specific rights for victims protected under the U.S. Constitution.
We support courts having the option to impose the death penalty in capital murder cases.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 74
, Sep 1, 2004
Best way to deter crime is to enforce existing laws
We agree that the best way to deter crime is to enforce existing laws and hand down tough penalties against anyone who commits a crime with a gun. This approach is working. Since Project Safe Neighborhoods was instituted in 2001,
hundreds of new federal, state, and local prosecutors have been hired to target criminals who use guns. Prosecutions are up 68 percent, and the violent crime victimization rate is down 21 percent.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 74
, Sep 1, 2004
More victims rights and harsher penalties for certain crimes
An agenda to restore the public’s safety:
No-frills prisons that make the threat of jail a deterrent to crime.
Increased penalties and resources to new drugs such as Ecstasy.
An effective program of rehabilitation, where appropriate.
Support of community-based diversion programs for first time, non-violent offenders.
Reform the invented Exclusionary Rule, which has allowed countless criminals to get off on technicalities.
Constitutional amendment to protect victims’ rights.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
, Aug 12, 2000
Death penalty is an effective deterrent
Within proper federal jurisdiction, the Republican Congress has enacted legislation for an effective deterrent death penalty, restitution to victims, removal of criminal aliens, and vigilance against terrorism. They stopped federal judges from
releasing criminals because of prison overcrowding, made it harder to file lawsuits about prison conditions, and, with a truth-in-sentencing law, pushed states to make sure violent felons actually do time.
Source: Republican Platform adopted at GOP National Convention
, Aug 12, 2000
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