CRIME
Crime, in most cases, is to be dealt with by NC and local governments. To the degree that the federal government, in its legislation, in its judicial actions, in its regulations, and in its Executive Branch activities, interferes with ability of the people in their communities to apprehend, judge and penalize accused lawbreakers, it bears responsibility for the climate of crime which as grown more destructive with each passing year. We favor the unimpeded right of states and localities to execute criminals convicted of capital crimes and to require restitution for the victims of criminals. Federal interference with local criminal justice processes should be limited to that which is constitutionally required.
All who are accused of crimes, petty to capital, shall have, if requested, a trial by a fully informed jury who know its total rights to NOT only try the facts BUT also the legality of the law itself.
Crime is clearly out of control in our state and nation. Law-abiding citizens often live in constant fear of crime in their neighborhoods and schools. By better allocation of resources and tax dollars, the state can insure the rights of innocent people and victims, as well as the rights of the accused.
We support the principle of victim restitution.
We believe that the death penalty can be an effective deterrent, and is a just punishment for certain crimes. We call for legislation to restrict the time and number of endless appeals that make a mockery of the law.
Drug and alcohol abuse are major problems in North Carolina. We support effective educational programs to address these problems.
We call for stiffer punishment for drunk or drug-impaired drivers. Drug users must face stiffer penalties for contributing to the demand that makes the drug trade profitable. We especially support longer terms for persons convicted of selling drugs.
We also support the construction of more military-style boot camp prison facilities with less attention to inmate comfort and more direction toward security, labor and education. Prison labor should be used for construction of the facilities when possible. All inmates should be required to work and pay for their incarceration.