USA - South Dakota. The Senate State Affairs committee has defeated a measure to repeal the death penalty

The Senate State Affairs committee has defeated 7-2 a measure (SB 94) that would repeal the death penalty in South Dakota. Republican Sen. Arthur Rusch, a former judge, is the measure's Senate sponsor. He says the practice overburdens counties and traumatizes jurors and court personnel. Rusch told the committee that he has personally prosecuted a death penalty case and has seen the damaging effects firsthand. Rusch says death penalty cases are unfairly taxing on county governments and have long-term effects on those involved. He also says he doesn't believe the punishment is an effective deterrent on crime.