Court

Court of Appeal President Supports Death Penalty

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Court of Appeal President Jon Isaacs not shying away from his stance on capital punishment.

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2024

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Court of Appeal President Jon Isaacs not shying away from his stance on capital punishment.

The conversation reemerged after the tragic killing of a pre-teen and elderly woman in November.

The Court of Appeal president believes that with a death penalty, one thing is sure.

“There are those who say that it’s been shown not to be a deterrent,” Jon Isaacs said.

“Well, there are two types of deterrents: a specific deterrent and a general deterrent. Execution is a specific deterrent. You can be guaranteed that that person will not offend again.”

Back in 2011, the Privy Council overturned the conviction and sentencing of Maxo Tido, who was found guilty of the 2002 murder of 16-year-old Donnell Conover, determining the matter wasn’t the worst of the worst.

Noted defence attorney Christina Galanos says the term is conceptual. Isaacs says what is the worst of the worst remains to be seen.

While he says he’s not certain if this could happen in The Bahamas again, the Court of Appeal president suggests a stronger deterrent is needed.