Today in Capital Punishment History for January 7
In 2008 U.S. Supreme Court oral argument in the case Baze v. Rees on the issue of whether the lethal injections violate 8th amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Court votes 7 – 2 upholding lethal injection. (view full calendar)
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The United States is moving away from the death penalty because of growing concerns about innocence, unfairness, discriminatory application, lack of efficacy and other reasons, including the ways the death penalty causes more pain for the survivors of homicide victims. These concerns have led to an eight year decline in death sentences nationwide. In 2007, the number of defendants who received a death sentence was at its lowest point since the death penalty was upheld in 1976.
NCADP has an Internet Organizer job opening at its Washington, DC office. Click here for more information.
Today your work to oppose – and abolish – capital punishment is more important than ever before. To join NCADP’s abolition listserv, click here. To help NCADP pay for the work that needs to be done, please donate by clicking here.
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Troy Anthony Davis is currently on death row in Georgia and his execution had been scheduled for September 23rd, 2008. Two hours before he was to be killed he received stay from the U.S. Supreme Court pending its decision as to whether it will hear his appeal. On October 14, 2008, the Court denied his request for relief so that his evidence of innocence could be heard in a legal proceeding. Just one day later, Troy Davis' execution was set for October 27 at 7pm EST. On October 24, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay pending further examination and possible acceptance of a new appeal. In 1991, Troy was convicted in the murder of off-duty police officer Marc MacPhail largely on the basis of eyewitness testimony—no physical evidence links him to the crime. Since his trial, seven of nine eyewitnesses have recanted their original statements, yet federal law prevents these new eyewitness statements from being heard. On September 12, 2008 he was denied clemency by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles. Learn more about this case and take action here.
Rachel King: 1963 - 2008
It is with sadness that we report the passing of our friend and colleague Rachel King, who died on August 25, 2008 after a long and valiant struggle with cancer.
Rachel was first a daughter, friend, wife and step-mother, but her personal and professional lives merged in her advocacy and efforts to make our world a better place. She did so in volunteer and staff capacities with various organizations, including Alaskans Against the Death Penalty, the ACLU Capital Punishment Project and the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, where she served on the board of directors and as its chairperson. Rachel is the author of three books, two of which explore capital punishment from the perspective of the families who suffer the most as a result of the death penalty system.
Read more about Rachel’s history of successful advocacy here and here. Rachel passed away in Wayne, Maine, where she was raised and later she and her husband, Richard McAlee, built a home together. Her last moments were spent surrounded by family and friends. Those who wish may reach the family by email through her step-daughter Lauren, or by mail through her mother Jill Howes at 282 Narrows Pond Rd., Winthrop, ME 04364. Rachel's family asks those wishing to send a memorial to send donations to the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty in lieu of flowers.
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