The Loeb-Leopold case - The Clarence Darrow Collection

The Loeb-Leopold Case
will you find the premeditation, the deliberate mal-
ice, the cunning plans, the months of preparation,
the thought, the science, the ability.
None of these things are to be found in the books
in connection with the crime of murder, and here
we have it in connection with two of the three
highest crimes in the statute, the only two crimes
in the State that are provided by the law with the
death penalty — murder and kidnaping.
The authorities construing those statutes say that
the punishment under those statutes shall be pro-
portionate to the turpitude of the offense. All three
elements are here, responsibility, aggravation be-
yond anything in the books anywhere, and no
mitigation.
There is only one sentence that can be imposed
upon these vile culprits that fits the act they com-
mitted, yea, the acts they committed.
Twice over the law requires their lives upon their
admissions of record in this court, and any lesser
penalty than the extreme penalty, upon the record
in this case, would make a mockery of the law
itself.
I thank your Honor for the patience you have
shown me.
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