this morning's paper

The Post didn't give it much space or attention, but I'd say it's a big deal if only because perhaps a few lives may be saved.

Texas Governor Rick Perry (R -- this is Texas, after all) just signed in a law giving juries the option of sentencing murderers to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Previously, the only choices they had were to sentence someone to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 40 years or to death. Folks who couldn't fathom the idea of a murderer eventually going free opted for the latter.