In this edition of our monthly newsletter, you’ll find information about the 22nd state to abolish the death penalty, as well as updates on significant Texas death penalty cases and coverage of the TCADP 2020 Annual Conference. We also have an issued an action alert for John Hummel, who is scheduled to be executed on March 18, 2020.
abolition
TCADP June 2019 Alert: 21 states have abandoned the death penalty
In this edition of our monthly alert, you’ll learn about the most recent state to abandon the death penalty. There’s also a legislative recap and details about special events this month in Dallas and Houston.
Pope Francis declares death penalty inadmissible in all cases
Pope Francis has declared the death penalty inadmissible in all cases because it is “an attack” on the “dignity of the person.” The Church has vowed to “work with determination for its abolition worldwide.”
Texas Legislative Committee to consider death penalty abolition bill
Today, Monday, April 17, 2017, the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee will hold a public hearing on House Bill 1537, which would repeal the death penalty in Texas. The Committee has considered similar legislation sponsored by State Representative Jessica Farrar in every session since 2009.
Nebraska repeals the death penalty
This afternoon, Nebraska became the 19th U.S. state to abandon the death penalty. Legislators successful overrode Governor Pete Rickett’s veto of LB 268, a bill that replaces the death penalty with life without the possibility of parole. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, Nebraska is the first predominantly Republican state to abolish the death penalty in more […]
Texas House Committee to Hear Death Penalty Repeal Bill
Today, Wednesday, April 29, 2015, the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee will hold a public hearing on House Bill (HB) 1527, which calls for the repeal of the death penalty in Texas. The bill is sponsored by State Representative Jessica Farrar (House District 148 – Houston).
It’s Official: Maryland Abolishes the Death Penalty!
Moments ago, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law a bill that repeals the death penalty. Maryland is now the 18th death penalty-free state. According to the Baltimore Sun, the death penalty had been on the books in Maryland for more than 300 years. Congratulations to our colleagues in Maryland and everyone who worked […]
Legislators hear from Anthony Graves, other witnesses in favor of death penalty repeal
Late last night, starting around 10:50 PM and lasting until after midnight, the Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee considered testimony on House Bill 1703, the death penalty repeal bill by State Representative Jessica Farrar. Representatives Alma Allen and Lon Burnam co-authored the bill. Rep. Farrar addressed three major flaws of the death penalty: the risk […]