Author: Sarah Craft

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Repeal a high priority in Delaware black community

Like many people around the country, the people of Delaware – especially African Americans – have grown increasingly frustrated with the criminal justice system. Reflection, education, and dialogue have led to an urgency for action, and the state’s death penalty has come to the forefront as the highest priority. “People in Delaware, especially within the… Continue reading Repeal a high priority in Delaware black community

You’re Invited: VOCA Funding for Your Community, Webinar 11/20

VOCA funding to states for victims services has more than tripled this year. This funding may be available to community organizations like yours. If your group/organization supports and provides services to crime survivors of color and other underserved survivors that otherwise have little or no access to services that address their victimization, then you should… Continue reading You’re Invited: VOCA Funding for Your Community, Webinar 11/20

NAE’s new statement reverberates around the country

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) recently changed their 40-year pro-death penalty position, noting serious concerns with the death penalty and acknowledging growing opposition and differing views on the issue among Evangelicals. NAE’s board of directors voted for the resolution giving guidance to the NAE’s more than 45,000 congregations from nearly 40 different denominations, serving… Continue reading NAE’s new statement reverberates around the country

Death penalty documentary garners Oscar buzz

Last Day of Freedom is a new, short documentary that follows the story of Bill Babbitt and his younger brother, Manny. It has already sparked conversations around the country, and now the it’s gaining momentum as a contender for an Academy Award. The film centers on the moral challenges Bill faces when he learns Manny… Continue reading Death penalty documentary garners Oscar buzz

Evangelicals change 40-year pro-death penalty position

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) has a new position on the death penalty. The resolution, passed by the Board of Directors, outlines serious concerns with the death penalty and acknowledges growing opposition and differing views on the issue among Evangelicals. The resolution represents a significant shift for the organization, which had a position in… Continue reading Evangelicals change 40-year pro-death penalty position

Pope Francis calls for global abolition of death penalty, other justice reforms

Before a joint session of Congress – a first for any Pope – Pope Francis called for an end to the death penalty around the globe. He praised efforts for repeal in the U.S., including the work of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Importantly, he linked the issue with a broader theme of criminal… Continue reading Pope Francis calls for global abolition of death penalty, other justice reforms

3 high profile executions in 3 days – *live thread, updated*

Update 10/1/15, 9:42pm: Alfredo Pieto was executed in Virginia tonight at 9:17pm. His lawyers had just filed an application for a stay with the U.S. Supreme Court when news of his execution was announced. Update 10/1/15, 7:36pm: After a change of venue, a Federal Court in Virginia heard arguments about the lethal injections drugs to… Continue reading 3 high profile executions in 3 days – *live thread, updated*

Scott Panetti’s mental illness at issue again in new hearing

In a hearing last week in front of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, lawyers for Texas death row inmate Scott Panetti argued that his severe mental illness renders him without the mentally competency to be executed. They asked the court to send the case back to a lower federal court to… Continue reading Scott Panetti’s mental illness at issue again in new hearing