Please commute the sentence of Mr. Jay D. Scott to life without parole. The death penalty is unnecessary, cruel and arbitrary. It is not absolutely necessary for defense of society and the citizens of Ohio to execute anyone. No human life, no matter how sinful or lacking in love, is without value. There are better approaches to protecting people from violent crime.
Life imprisonment can be a firm, effective and just alternative.
The application of the death penalty has been discriminatory toward the poor, the mentally disabled and racial minorities. Mistakes are possible. The antidote to violence is love, not more violence. Taken from statements by the Catholic Bishops of Ohio and National Conference of Catholic Bishops .