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

Honoring victims, calling for a system that heals

On September 25, in honor of National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, I spent time reaching out to several family members of murder victims. Some survivors shared the traditions they have developed over the years to mark the day, including visiting burial grounds or viewing commemorative videos and photographs. Others told me that the… Continue reading Honoring victims, calling for a system that heals

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

Questions about mitigating factors, in Kansas and beyond – a U.S. Supreme Court preview

In preparation for the new term of the U.S. Supreme Court, starting on October 5, we will feature an occasional guest column by our newest board member, Ursula Bentele. Ursula is a renowned Supreme Court scholar, who will look at some of the Court’s cases with a particular eye towards those with implications for the… Continue reading Questions about mitigating factors, in Kansas and beyond – a U.S. Supreme Court preview

Pope Francis intensifies his call for America to end the death penalty

As part of his visit to the United States this week, Pope Francis renewed his call for world abolition of the death penalty. He included specific encouragement to those working to end the death penalty in the United States and a focus on hope and rehabilitation. Here is the Pope’s full statement on the death… Continue reading Pope Francis intensifies his call for America to end the death penalty

Governor Wolf stands by moratorium in PA Supreme Court hearing

In February, Governor Tom Wolf called for a moratorium on executions, pending the outcome of a statewide study of the death penalty in Pennsylvania. Governor Wolf’s policy is now the topic of a heated debate that was heard earlier this month in front of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Philadelphia. Terrance Williams, convicted of murder… Continue reading Governor Wolf stands by moratorium in PA Supreme Court hearing

Oklahoma court stays execution of Richard Glossip

In a unanimous ruling early this afternoon, the highest criminal court in Oklahoma granted a two-week stay in the execution of Richard Glossip. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals released their ruling, granting Glossip’s request for time to review new evidence. One piece of evidence submitted to the court was a sworn affidavit from another… Continue reading Oklahoma court stays execution of Richard Glossip

Act now to halt execution in Oklahoma

Time is running out for Richard Glossip. In less than 24 hours, Glossip is scheduled be executed, despite mounting evidence of his innocence. Call Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin now, and ask her to stay the execution to allow for further investigation. Her phone lines are being flooded, but she needs to hear from you that… Continue reading Act now to halt execution in Oklahoma