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Death penalty continues decline in 2015

By every measure, the death penalty declined again in 2015. A new report released today by the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC) found: There were fewer executions in 2015 than any year in the last two decades. The number of death sentences in 2015 is down 33% from just last year, and down 84% from…

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Why Has The Death Penalty Grown Increasingly Rare?

As the year comes to a close, there will be many opportunities to look back at how 2015 stacked up in terms of the country’s use of the death penalty. NPR’s Nina Totenberg – known for her analysis of the Supreme Court – took a first stab, looking at the low number of executions in…

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Photo of press conference of Kansas Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty, courtesy of Kansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.

Republicans at the forefront of death penalty repeal campaigns

Most states will start the New Year with a new legislative session, which means supporters of death penalty repeal are preparing efforts to end the death penalty across the country. In the wake of repeal in Nebraska – an effort championed by conservatives – more Republicans are stepping up to lead many of these campaigns. In…

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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…

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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…

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Last Day of Freedom screenshot

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…

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The Supreme Court Building

Supreme Court looks at exclusion of blacks from jury in Georgia death penalty case

In its next look at the death penalty, the Supreme Court is faced with the case of Timothy Tyrone Foster, to be argued on November 2. Foster is a black man who was convicted and sentenced to death by an all-white jury for the murder of a white woman. The jury was composed entirely of…

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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…

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The Supreme Court Building

Supreme Court’s next death penalty case looks at roles of judge, jury

Continuing its look at death penalty, the Supreme Court will hear argument on Tuesday in Hurst v. Florida to decide whether Florida’s practices in capital trials are constitutional. At issue in Hurst is whether a judge properly imposed a death sentence without the necessary fact-finding by a jury. Florida is one of the few states…

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2014 Pastoral Visit of Pope Francis to Korea

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…

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