Explore Candidates → Mitt Romney on Crime and Punishment
Mitt Romney on Crime and Punishment
The measure calls for verifiable scientific evidence such as DNA to sentence someone to death and a tougher standard of ''no doubt" of guilt for juries to sentence defendants, rather than a ''beyond a reasonable doubt" standard. It also calls for a pool of certified capital case lawyers to ensure proper representation for the indigent and allowing jurors to serve in the guilt phase of the trial who do not necessarily support the death penalty.
Romney pushes for a death penalty law for murderers convicted of heinous first-degree homicides. "The ultimate penalty should be available in Massachusetts for criminals who commit the most egregious murders," Romney said.
Campaign web site, www.romney2002.com, "Issues" Sep 17, 2002
"Governor Romney opposes discrimination of any kind. He believes existing state laws already adequately cover the crimes that would be prosecuted under new federal hate crime legislation. He also believes these types of federal laws are problematic because they criminalize "perceived" motivation and thought and may have the unintended consequence of abridging freedom of speech."
Back in 2003, Romney did veto a bill that funded a hate crime prevention program. But there is also an article from the Lowell Sun in 2002 written by Erik Arvidson with the Statehouse Bureau in Boston that says this: "On gay rights, Romney supports hate crimes legislation which provides added penalties for crimes committed against a person because of their sexual orientation, race or religion."
The Boston Globe reported that on the campaign trail, Romney supported the following: -Wanted to abolish parole, limit probation, and end furloughs and release programs for violent or repeat offenders
Boston Globe review of 1994 campaign issues Mar 21, 2002
The Romney Administration also filed legislation today to stiffen fines and penalties for possession with intent to manufacture methamphetamines. Originating on the West Coast, methamphetamine abuse and crime-related activities have become a national epidemic. The alarming trend is marching towards Massachusetts and neighboring states.
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's administration is calling on the state legislature to provide funding for public schools that want to initiate student drug testing.
The bill contains a list of chemicals that can be used to manufacture methamphetamines and possession of any one, or combination of, these chemicals with intent to manufacture or distribute will result in a felony offense punishable up to five years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.
The Boston Globe reported that on the campaign trail, Romney supported the following: -Wanted to abolish parole, limit probation, and end furloughs and release programs for violent or repeat offenders -Favored mandatory sentencing and three strikes and you're out -Supported restrictions on plea bargaining -His crime prevention efforts also focused on instilling family values.
Boston Globe review of 1994 campaign issues Mar 21, 2002
Governor Romney announced that he would propose a "One Strike, You're Ours" law for those convicted of preying on children using the Internet. Massachusetts Republican District Attorneys and Sheriffs support Governor Romney's proposal for stiff mandatory jail time to be followed by lifetime tracking by Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) for first-time offenders: "As Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney was a strong defender of children. He led the effort to put photos of the state's most dangerous sex offenders on the Internet and made it easier to extend civil commitments for sex offenders. As a candidate for president, Governor Romney is once-again demonstrating strong leadership in protecting our children. His 'One Strike, You're Ours' law is an important initiative to strengthen law enforcement and protect America's sons and daughters. We are proud to stand alongside Governor Romney in his campaign for our nation's highest office.
Press Release, "Law Enforcement Officials" Jul 21, 2007
The Boston Globe reported that on the campaign trail, Romney supported the following: -Wanted to abolish parole, limit probation, and end furloughs and release programs for violent or repeat offenders -His crime prevention efforts also focused on instilling family values.
Boston Globe review of 1994 campaign issues Mar 21, 2002
Facing threats of federal funding being cut, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is pushing for a 40-percent increase in state drug-treatment spending, the Boston Globe reported May 21. Originally, Romney had proposed a $2 million cut to the state's addiction budget. He changed his position when U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson threatened to cut federal aid for treating drug users.