Sample Letter to House Representative:
Your address on right side of page
Date of letter underneath your address
The Honorable (Your representative's name)
Your representative's address (see "Finding My
Representatives")
Raleigh, NC (ZIP Code)
Dear Representative ___________:
I'm writing to ask you to consider sponsoring a bill.
I recently became aware of a law called the Felony Murder
Rule, which says that a person who is not directly
responsible for someone's death can be prosecuted for
first-degree murder. As I'm sure you know, if convicted of
first-degree murder, the only penalties are death or life
in prison without the possibility of parole.
My concern is that some young people, who don't have the
best of judgment to begin with, may find themselves caught
up in this law because of their association with the wrong
friends—friends who commit a serious crime resulting in
someone's death.
Young people can be so carefree and irresponsible. If they
commit a crime they should be punished, but using the
Felony Murder Rule is too much for those that had no weapon
and meant no harm to come to anyone.
We have an abundance of laws and people should be charged
for crimes they actually commit. The Felony Murder Rule can
allow a fictitious charge of first-degree murder and the
prosecutor doesn't have to prove intent!
The North Carolina Citizens for Felony Murder Rule Change
Website, www.ncfelonymurder.org, convinced me that this law
is unjust and that serious study and legislative debate
needs to be given to repealing or amending the law.
Again, I hope that you will consider sponsoring a bill to
repeal or amend the Felony Murder Rule to remove the chance
of throwing away valuable young lives.
I look forward to hearing from you soon about this matter.
Sincerely,
Your name