Susan Smith deserves severe and harsh punishment for murdering her children. But murdering Smith will not serve justice.

Understandably, many feel deeply that Smith deserves to die for her heinous crime. But killing Smith will not bring back her children, nor will advocating her death make a statement about the evil nature of murder.

Smith has said she wants to die. If so, then her death should be her responsibility. If she chooses to commit suicide because she cannot live with herself, that is HER choice – not that of the American people.

If Smith does not receive the death penalty, she will be eligible for parole in thirty years. While thirty years is no cakewalk, there should be no possibility of parole. Her crime was horrible, and Smith should never have the opportunity to walk away from her deed.