All criminals deserve fair trial

    Now that the seven escaped convicts from the Connally Unit in South Texas have been captured, it is important not to let emotion dictate their treatment.

    First, many questions about their escape need to be answered. While what the escapees did was reprehensible, the bottom line is they should not have been able to escape so easily.

    The prison shares a large part of the blame for the death of an officer. This situation should never be repeated. The deplorable conditions at the Connally Unit contributed to their escape and must be fixed.

    The conditions for all state prisons must be fairly upgraded to prevent further tragedies such as this one.

    More importantly, however, the seven fugitives must have a fair trial. The fact that they killed Irving patrolman Aubrey Hawkins should weigh heavily on any jury’s mind when they go to trial.

    Hawkins was killed in the line of duty. He was a father and a husband. The escapees killed Hawkins while robbing a sporting goods store on Christmas Eve.

    To think of a family learning on Christmas Eve that their father and husband was killed and would not be coming home ever again will certainly raise the passion of even the most cold-blooded person.

    But passion and prejudice must be put aside when this case comes to trial. These seven should be tried on the fact that they took a life—period.

    They should not be treated any more harshly because they took a police officer’s life.

    One life is just as important as another life, no matter the occupation.

    Emotion must be put aside if our court system is to function as intended.

    Perhaps a change of venue would help to ensure that the seven convicts get a fair trial. They may not deserve one for their cowardly attack, but we live in a country that has rules.

    We must remember to follow those rules when we punish those who have broken the rules.

    Prosecutors will rely heavily on the emotions of jurors when this case goes to trial. It will be important for a jury to be fair and impartial in this case.

    Only one of the escapees has admitted to killing Hawkins, but an overly prejudiced jury could be inclined to give all seven of them the death penalty. This type of action would not serve justice.

    While the state of Texas likes to present the appearance of being tough on crime, it is important to remember that the statue of the woman holding the scales of justice is wearing a blindfold. This opinion may not be much consolation to the Hawkins family, but it is the unfortunate side effect of living in our society.

    Revenge will not bring back Officer Hawkins. Regardless of popular opinion, the courts are not just about punishment. They are about justice, and that is the ultimate goal in our country.

    As a society we must make sure that even the lowest of criminals receives justice not vengeance.