Federal Government Makes Terrible Decision to Resume Executions

Statement by Shari Silberstein, Executive Director of Equal Justice USA: “Despite substantial evidence that the death penalty is overrun by racism and the process preys upon the poor and those struggling with trauma, the federal government has made a choice to begin executing again. Executions and death sentences are at historic lows because, as a… Continue reading Federal Government Makes Terrible Decision to Resume Executions

EJUSA and Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty Applaud New Hampshire’s Repeal of the Death Penalty

Statement by Shari Silberstein, Executive Director of Equal Justice USA: “The leaders in New Hampshire who made history today deserve the highest praise for recognizing the injustice of a deeply broken system and coming together across party lines to move the state forward. I believe more states across the nation, inspired by what New Hampshire… Continue reading EJUSA and Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty Applaud New Hampshire’s Repeal of the Death Penalty

EJUSA and Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty React to California Moratorium on the Death Penalty

Statement by Shari Silberstein, Executive Director of Equal Justice USA: “Governor Newsom has written a new chapter in the history of justice reform. This is a sweeping move that reflects just how deeply the death penalty has failed. My hope is this will also lead Americans to reconsider our nation’s approach to violence overall. Our… Continue reading EJUSA and Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty React to California Moratorium on the Death Penalty

Trauma-Informed Justice in Philadelphia | Reimagining Justice This Month

Reimagining Justice This Month highlights stories about effective responses to violence – responses that disrupt cycles of violence, heal trauma, and address structural racism. Philadelphia Judges Move Slowly Toward Being Trauma-Informed, The Notebook Philadelphia’s Working to Restore Adolescents’ Power program brings trauma to the center of decision-making for youth who have been charged with a crime.… Continue reading Trauma-Informed Justice in Philadelphia | Reimagining Justice This Month

Washington State’s death penalty ruled unconstitutional

In a 9-0 ruling, the Washington State Supreme Court has declared the state’s death penalty unconstitutional. Washington is now without a death penalty and becomes the 20th state in the country to reject capital punishment. Statement by Shari Silberstein, Executive Director of Equal Justice USA: “The Washington State Supreme Court today declared what we have… Continue reading Washington State’s death penalty ruled unconstitutional

Pope declares death penalty “inadmissible” in all cases

Earlier this month, Pope Francis declared that the death penalty is never admissible and always unacceptable, pledging that the Catholic Church will work for its abolition world wide. This declaration is a step along a path that has been paved by previous Popes, stretching back to the 1960’s, when Pope Paul VI removed the death penalty from fundamental… Continue reading Pope declares death penalty “inadmissible” in all cases

Ohio Governor grants clemency after revelations of trauma

Late last week, Ohio Governor John Kasich granted clemency to Raymond Tibbetts and commuted his death sentence. Thousands of you sent emails, signed petitions, made phone calls, and mobilized friends and neighbors to make sure that Governor Kasich knew that the trauma Tibbetts experienced as a child had been withheld from the jury during his trial. Thank… Continue reading Ohio Governor grants clemency after revelations of trauma

EJUSA honored to be a #SaludHero

People continue to notice our work in Newark, bringing together communities of color and police to help break cycles of trauma. Salud America, which focuses on health in Latinx communities, featured an article about our work last November, and now has honored us as one of their #SaludHeros. They spent time with us last week… Continue reading EJUSA honored to be a #SaludHero

Fans of justice, here’s your summer movie guide!

“Lindy Lou, Juror Number 2” is a documentary about a conservative Christian grandmother from Mississippi who helped sentence a man to death. Two decades later, an overwhelming sense of regret compels her to track down her fellow jurors. This film raises important questions about the death penalty and the impact on jurors of making high-stakes sentencing… Continue reading Fans of justice, here’s your summer movie guide!

“Restoring Lost Trust”

USA Today and our friends at the Marshall Project made a great video about our program in Newark, which is bridging communities of color and police and breaking cycles of trauma. Please take a moment to watch the video and share it with your family and friends. By creating space for the authentic, lived experiences… Continue reading “Restoring Lost Trust”