Legislators Debate Chessman and Death Penalty

Los Angeles Times file photo Feb. 21, 1960: Caryl Chessman, center, after receiving a stay of execution, with attorneys George T. Davis and Rosalie Asher.

Feb. 21, 1960: A 60-day stay of execution for Caryl Chessman so the Legislature can weigh the death penalty carries political implications for Gov. Pat Brown, whose hopes of entering the presidential race might be affected by accusations that he is “soft” on crime. Vice President Richard Nixon says he supports the death penalty, but notes that he isn’t speaking specifically of the Chessman case.