Largest Mass Execution in US History: 150 Years Ago Today Largest Mass Execution in US History: 150 Years Ago Today
Lincoln ordered the execution of thirty-eight Dakota Indians for rebellion—but never ordered the execution of Confederate officials or generals.
Dec 26, 2012 / Jon Wiener
Marching Against the Death Penalty in Texas Marching Against the Death Penalty in Texas
For family members of death row prisoners, including those who have been executed, gatherings like the March for Abolition are a critical lifeline, and a link to a desperately need...
Nov 16, 2012 / Liliana Segura
Life Without Parole: A Different Death Penalty Life Without Parole: A Different Death Penalty
As a death row lawyer who fights to keep his clients alive, I believe life without parole denies the possibility of redemption every bit as much as strapping a murderer to the gurn...
Oct 26, 2012 / David R. Dow
Will Pennsylvania Execute a Man Who Killed His Abusers? Will Pennsylvania Execute a Man Who Killed His Abusers?
When a Pennsylvania jury sentenced Terrance Williams with the death penalty, they didn't know he had suffered years of violent sexual abuse at the hands of his victim.
Sep 12, 2012 / Liliana Segura
Updated: Texas Executes Man With IQ of 61 Updated: Texas Executes Man With IQ of 61
The Supreme Court waved forward the execution of Marvin Wilson despite a 2002 ban on executing people with intellectual disabilities.
Aug 6, 2012 / Liliana Segura
Chicago’s Dark Legacy of Police Torture Chicago’s Dark Legacy of Police Torture
Illinois has shuttered a commission formed to examine the cases of prisoners who say they were abused under Chicago’s former Police Commander Jon Burge years ago. But a truth...
Jul 19, 2012 / Liliana Segura
Some Justice for Kids Some Justice for Kids
Why did the Court limit its ruling to cases with mandatory sentences, instead of banning juvenile life without parole altogether?
Jun 27, 2012 / Liliana Segura
The Supreme Court Gives (Some) Juvenile Lifers a Second Chance The Supreme Court Gives (Some) Juvenile Lifers a Second Chance
Why did the Court limit its ruling to cases with mandatory sentences, instead of banning juvenile life without parole altogether?
Jun 26, 2012 / Liliana Segura
Rodney Reed: Another Innocent Man on Texas’ Death Row? Rodney Reed: Another Innocent Man on Texas’ Death Row?
Sentenced to die after his DNA was found on murder victim Stacy Stites, Reed insists it was proof of an illicit affair—and that her police officer fiancé is the r...
Jun 19, 2012 / Jordan Smith
Will Texas Kill Hank Skinner Despite Untested DNA Evidence? Will Texas Kill Hank Skinner Despite Untested DNA Evidence?
Hank Skinner was scheduled to die on November 9, but his execution was halted by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Will the state finally agree to test the evidence in his case?
Nov 4, 2011 / Jordan Smith