Israel Votes on Death Penalty Bill
Israel's parliament will vote on a death penalty bill this week. The bill targets Palestinians found guilty of deadly attacks.
The bill is expected to pass. It was introduced by some of Israel's government leaders.
Death penalty would be the default sentence for those convicted. Judges can choose life in prison instead in special cases.
Some say the bill removes legal safeguards. These protect due process and block the chance of a pardon.
Klear Note — Israel does not currently have capital punishment. This bill would make it the first death penalty law in decades.
Key Terms 4
- parliament the group of elected people who make a country's laws
- due process the legal right to a fair trial and proper legal steps
- pardon when a government officially forgives someone's crime or reduces punishment
- default sentence the punishment automatically given unless a judge decides otherwise