in his 4th day of confirmation hearings...

in his 4th day of confirmation hearings, Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito has been taking some questions on matters of life and death.
Democrat Patrick Leahy quizzed Alito on his thoughts on the death penalty.
The Vermont senator asked Alito if the Constitution bars the execution of an innocent person. Alito replied that it's unconstitutional to execute someone who isn't found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Leahy followed up, asking about executing someone who is convicted, in a case where evidence arises later suggesting innocence. Alito replied, "We all want to avoid the tragedy of having an innocent person executed."