Success story

In October 2005, the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty awarded Equal Justice USA its highest honor by naming EJUSA Coordinator Shari Silberstein the 2005 “Abolitionist of the Year.” This is EJUSA’s second Abolitionist of the Year award in just four years. Shari received the award for her work defeating New York’s death penalty earlier this year. In 2002, former EJUSA Coordinator Jane Henderson received the award for winning a moratorium on executions in Maryland.

1600-1963
New York carries out 1,130 executions.

1890
First state to use the electric chair.

August 15, 1963
Last execution: Eddie Lee Mays

1965
Death penalty eliminated for most crimes.

July 1972

With less than half the year over, 2005 has brought more hope to advocates than many other years combined. Here are some highlights:

New Mexico House votes to repeal the death penalty

By PATRICK D. HEALY
­Reprinted from the New York Times

Democrats in the State Assembly closed the door Tuesday on reviving the death penalty in New York State this year, handing a significant victory to opponents of capital punishment who are trying to build national momentum.

“The first time I voted for the death penalty, I thought of the law as majestic and that there was very little chance of a mistake. Then you grow up. Look at the DNA evidence — you realize that people can make terrible mistakes… Times change. I never thought I’d vote against the death penalty. But I’ve come to realize that no one’s perfect, including judges and juries.”

– New York Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol
(Washington Post, April 13, 2005)

New Yorkers Against the Death Penalty (NYADP) is one of more than a dozen statewide organizations across the country that adopted the moratorium organizing model pioneered by Equal Justice USA in 1997.

The list of local governments calling for a moratorium on executions has now reached 110! On May 3, the New Haven, CT Board of Alderman took an additional step and became the second local government in the nation to call for complete abolition of the death penalty. Congratulations to local organizers and citizens across the country who continue to pursue these victories. If your town or city council isn’t on the list, contact EJUSA for an organizing packet to get started!

Alameda County, CA
Albany, NY
Albany County, NY
Asheville, NC
Atlanta, GA
Baltimore, MD
Berkeley, CA

Michael Evans speaks to reporters on May 23, 2003, after a Cook County Circuit Court Judge ordered his release. Evans and co-defendant Paul Terry spent 27 years in prison for a rape and murder that DNA evidence leaves virtually no doubt they did not commit. Evans and Terry spent more time in prison than the other 128 people exonerated by DNA nationally. Learn more at: www.law.northwestern.edu/depts/clinic/wrongful/

Excerpted from the Chicago Tribune (April 24, 2003)

The North Carolina Senate passed a bill imposing a two-year moratorium on executions in the state on April 22. During the moratorium period, the bill provides for a legislative study of inequities in death sentencing, including disparities based on race, geography, and wealth. While moratorium bills have been introduced in past years, this marks the first time one has ever come to a vote either in committee or on the floor, making its passage even more striking. The bill has moved on to the House, where a vote is anticipated in mid-June.

Maryland victory at a glance. In 2002, EJUSA...

...Produced and distributed 30,000 action alert postcards in conjunction with the NAACP, and a follow-up emergency mailing to Quixote Center constituents. The Governor’s staff reported that they were flooded with e-mails, calls, and letters.

...Led a delegation to meet with Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who expressed support for a moratorium and promised to talk to the Governor. The following week, the Governor halted executions.