VIEWPOINT | It's time to repeal South Dakota's death penalty law

Guest column by Rep. Kadyn Wittman

The death penalty is a failed policy. It doesn’t deter crime, it drains taxpayer dollars, and it risks executing innocent people. With Senate Bill 119, we have the opportunity to finally repeal capital punishment in South Dakota and embrace a justice system that is smarter, fairer and more fiscally responsible.

Let’s start with the most important fact: the death penalty does not make us safer. Studies have shown no evidence that the death penalty deters violent crime. In fact, states that have abolished capital punishment often have lower murder rates than those that still use it. If we are serious about public safety, we should be investing in crime prevention, mental health resources and law enforcement support — not maintaining an outdated and ineffective punishment.

VIEWPOINT | A smarter way to license lawyers, serve the public good