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Fred Thompson on Crime and Punishment

This candidate has withdrawn from the election

"The reliable two-thirds of Americans who have always supported the death penalty probably wouldn't be surprised to find out that study after study has shown that the death penalty deters murders. Some studies show really dramatic effects, with each execution of a murderer deterring as many as 18 or more murders."

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If elected to Congress, which of the following proposals will you support to address the problem of crime?: -Impose "truth in sentencing" legislation for violent criminals so they serve a full sentence with no chance of parole. -Prosecute as adults youths who are third-time violent felons. -Impose the death penalty for certain federal crimes. -Impose mandatory life sentences for third time violent felons. -Other: "Habeas corpus reform."

Congressional 1994 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1994

Voted YES on limiting death penalty appeals. Vote to table, or kill, a motion to send the bill back to the joint House-Senate conference committee with instructions to delete the provisions in the bill that would make it harder for prisoners given the death penalty in state courts to appeal.

Bill S.735 ; vote number 1996-66 on Apr 17, 1996

Strongly opposes hate crime legislation

Fred Thompson opposes adding sexual orientation and gender identity into Federal Hate Crimes legislation. He voted no on expanding hate crimes laws to include sexual orientation in 2000 and 2002.

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I think that we ought to be a tolerant nation. I think we ought to be tolerant people. But we shouldn't set up special categories for anybody. And I'm for the rights of everybody, including gays, but not any special rights.

Fox News Sunday, 2007 presidential candidate interviews Mar 11, 2007

Voted YES to increase penalties on certain drug-related crimes. The amendment would specifically target the manufacturing or trafficking of amphetamines & methamphetamines and possession of powder cocaine, and set stronger penalties for dealing drugs.

Reference: Bill S.625 ; vote number 1999-360 on Nov 10, 1999

Strongly supports mandatory minimum sentencing

If elected to Congress, which of the following proposals will you support to address the problem of crime? -Impose "truth in sentencing" legislation for violent criminals so they serve a full sentence with no chance of parole. -Prosecute as adults youths who are third-time violent felons. -Impose the death penalty for certain federal crimes. -Impose mandatory life sentences for third time violent felons.

Congressional 1994 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1994

Strongly opposes an increase in funds for drug rehabilitation as an alternative to prison

Voted YES on increasing penalties for drug offenses. Vote to increase penalties on certain drug-related crimes. The amendment would specifically target the manufacturing or trafficking of amphetamines & methamphetamines and possession of powder cocaine, and set stronger penalties for dealing drugs

Bill S.625 ; vote number 1999-360 on Nov 10, 1999