Photo by o2ma via Flickr Last week, news that one branch of what remains of the Manson family tree, Susan Atkins, was seeking a compassionate release due to an undisclosed and likely terminal illness triggered waves of reaction from the public, many of whom believe convicts of Atkins' ilk should remain incarcerated for the duration of their life sentences. In public statements made regarding Atkins' 37 years' imprisonment to date, California Department of Corrections......