The newly-released report from the Death Penalty Information Center reveals what many have suspected: that the support and use of capital punishment in the United States is declining.

Citing the abolition of the death penalty in Illinois, the moratorium in Oregon, and the execution of Troy Davis in Georgia, DPIC breaks down the reasons for numbers such as: new death sentences reaching an all-time low, dropping below 100 in 2011.  This is a first in the modern era of capital punishment in America.

While 34 states retain the death penalty at the time of this writing, DPIC outlines reasons that the heyday of the death penalty in this country may be over.  The report concludes that:

Many of those challenging the death penalty now had defended it in the past, including people
who introduced death penalty legislation or presided over executions. The multitude of problems
associated with the death penalty is gradually convincing Americans that it can no longer be
sustained.

 

The report may be viewed here.

“…I ask my family and friends to continue to fight this fight…”

These words were among Troy Davis’ last; spoken moments before he was executed by the state of Georgia this week. He was executed despite substantial doubt about his guilt and public objections from persons across the political spectrum.

The death of Troy Davis has left us feeling shocked, saddened, angry, and ignored. His execution is a tragic reminder of how flawed our death penalty system is. Troy Davis was not the first to be executed with strong evidence of innocence. He will not be the last unless change happens. Our criminal justice system makes mistakes, and when a life is on the line, there is no room for error.

Troy Davis is dead, but that doesn’t mean we should give up. It’s more important now than ever for us to keep fighting. In the coming days we invite you to join us at one of the “Kansans are Troy Davis” meetings. Watch your email and the website for further information on dates and locations.

Take action today to make sure that what happened to Troy Davis will never happen in Kansas. Help us replace the death penalty with life without parole. This change is the only way to ensure that the state of Kansas never executes an innocent person.

Here’s what YOU can do to make change happen:

1. Call, email or write your Kansas legislators to let them know you want them to replace the death penalty with life without parole in 2012. We’ve attached a sample message below.

Not sure who your legislators are? Find them here.

Sample letter to your legislator:
Dear Senator/Representative X:
“I am saddened and disappointed that Georgia carried out the execution of Troy Davis despite substantial doubt about his guilt. As long as we have the death penalty in Kansas, we run the risk of executing an innocent person. I urge you to make the replace the death penalty a priority in 2012. Life in prison without parole will serve justice and protect Kansans.”

Once you’ve contacted your legislator, please let us know by calling the Coalition at
785-235-2237 or emailing us at infoksabolitionorg.

2. Speak up locally: write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Need some help? Please call us and we’ll help you put something together and get it submitted.

The moment for action is now.
Help us end the death penalty in Kansas.

“The struggle for justice doesn’t end with me. This struggle is for all the Troy Davises who came before me and all the ones who will come after me. I’m in good spirits and I’m prayerful and at peace.”

– Troy Davis