The evidence that sealed Mrs. Surratt's fate

[John E.]

Many people have expressed the opinion that the four conspirators who were hanged didn't deserve to die for their crimes. I'd like to know if this is because:

1. You don't believe in the death penalty
2. Didn't think the punishment matched the crime

** If you chose # 2, please remember that approximately 334 Volunteer soldiers were executed for desertion. Basically, executed for not wanting to fight. It wasn't until 1864 that Lincoln decided to send deserters to Ft. Jefferson.

** If we take in to consideration that these individuals conspired to assassinate the commander-in-chief, secretary of state and vice-president - thus attempting to send the government in to chaos, is it so alarming that they were sentenced to execution?

Here are the current military crimes punishable by death: (according to wiki - pls take with a grain of salt)

Punishable crimes

Currently, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 14 offenses are punishable by death. Under the following sections of the UCMJ, the death penalty can be imposed at any time:

Mutiny or sedition
Misbehavior before the enemy
Subordinate compelling surrender
Improper use of countersign
Forcing a safeguard
Aiding the enemy
Espionage
Improper hazarding of vessel
Murder (including both premeditated murder and felony murder)
Rape (including child rape)[4]

Four provisions of the UCMJ carry a death sentence only if the crime is committed during times of war:

Desertion
Assaulting or willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer
Spies
Misbehavior of a sentinel or lookout