Nation IN BRIEF : MASSACHUSETTS : Governor Proposes Death Penalty Bill

Massachusetts Gov. William F. Weld submitted legislation to restore the death penalty for a broad range of murders. Weld, a Republican and former federal prosecutor, had promised during his campaign that he would try to restore the death penalty. The state’s highest court ruled capital punishment unconstitutional seven years ago. Under the proposed legislation, 12 types of murder would be eligible for the death penalty. The legislation provides for a separate sentencing hearing before a jury that has found a defendant guilty of a capital crime. The measure also provides for an automatic right of appeal to the state’s highest court.