Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

Here.

To the Editor:

“Breyer Continues His Push Against the Death Penalty” (news article, Dec. 13), about Justice Stephen G. Breyer’s dissenting opinion in the case of Ronald B. Smith, who was recently executed in Alabama, is far too generous.

Twenty inmates have been executed in the United States in 2016. More than half (including a client of mine) have sought last-minute stays of execution from the Supreme Court (as Mr. Smith did). Justice Breyer recorded opposition in only three of these executions.

If Justice Breyer sincerely has constitutional reservations about the carrying out of the death penalty, he should do what other justices have done upon reaching a similar conclusion, by voting to prevent the execution from going forward.

Until his actual voting pattern demonstrates principled consistency, his on-again, off-again critique of the death penalty not only helps sustain an arbitrary system, but it also exemplifies it.

DAVID R. DOW

Houston

The writer is a professor at the University of Houston Law Center.

Note from KBJ: David Dow is a one-trick pony. How can the death penalty be unconstitutional when the Fifth Amendment prohibits the taking of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law? Does this not imply that life may be taken if due process is provided? If Dow wants the Constitution changed, he should lobby for an amendment.

Here.

Here.

Here is Ann Coulter's latest column.

I enjoyed reading this book review this morning. You might find it interesting as well.

To the Editor:

As the Electoral College made the election outcome official, I thought of the words uttered by most of my friends: “Well, not much we can do.”

But there is definitely something they can, and should, do: share their concerns with their elected representatives in Washington, their senators and representatives.

I intend to be in communication with each of mine as important issues come up for votes or as hearings on important issues are conducted. I urge all Americans to be mindful that the legislative branch remains a significant element of our representative democracy.

EDWIN K. SEPPA

Wells, Me.

Note from KBJ: Edwin K. Seppa is late to the dance. Republicans have been communicating with their elected representatives for many years. Can you tell?

Rock N Roll Animal (1974).

Here.