Last week, Kansas' abolition movement made national news as one of several states with a shot at ending the death penalty in 2012. The Washington, D.C. based newspaper Politico listed Kansas, along with California, Maryland, Connecticut, and Ohio, as a state that's making a big push to end the death penalty. KCADP Board Chair Donna Schneweis was mentioned in the … [Read more...] about Abolition Efforts in Kansas are Catching Attention Nationwide
News
Moratorium on executions in Oregon!
Citing regret for executions that took place in his state over 10 years ago, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber announced last week that no further executions would take place in his state while he is the Governor. "I simply cannot participate once again in something that I believe to be morally wrong," the governor said in uncharacteristically emotional … [Read more...] about Moratorium on executions in Oregon!
KCADP Rally for Repeal a Huge Success!
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the KCADP Rally for Repeal a huge success! Thanks especially to Jeremy Schroeder and Diann Rust-Tierney for flying in and speaking to an energized Kansas crowd. The 2012 legislative session is coming up very soon, and we look forward to working with Kansans from every corner of the state in the coming weeks … [Read more...] about KCADP Rally for Repeal a Huge Success!
In Honor of Troy Davis…
Friends, The people of Kansas are outraged about the execution of Troy Davis this week in Georgia, and as a result a number of vigils and action meetings are taking place around the state in the coming days. Please take a look and see what is coming near you. If you are planning something, let us know at: info@ksabolition.org or … [Read more...] about In Honor of Troy Davis…
Kansans Are Troy Davis
“…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 … [Read more...] about Kansans Are Troy Davis
Topeka Capital-Journal outlines Kansas execution process
Although Kansas has not carried out an execution since 1965, the state has had guidelines in place for the past decade on how to proceed when one is carried out. Former Secretary of Corrections Charles Simmons explained in the article why, for example, an execution would be carried out in Lansing while death sentences inmates are held in El Dorado. "The decision to house … [Read more...] about Topeka Capital-Journal outlines Kansas execution process
UPDATE: West Memphis Three Freed!
After learning about a surprise hearing in the case known as the “West Memphis Three,” Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelly, Jr., and Jason Baldwin were released from prison on Friday, August 19, 2011. Misskelly and Baldwin were each serving life sentences while Echols was released from death row. The release was made possible by a rare legal maneuver known as an “Alford … [Read more...] about UPDATE: West Memphis Three Freed!
Area Exonerees Discuss Life After Wrongful Imprisonment
Last night, Kansas City’s Fox 4 News profiled two area exonerees and their struggle to put their lives back together after they served time in prison for crimes they did not commit. Eddie Lowery, of Kansas, who was wrongfully convicted of rape, served nearly 10 years before being paroled. The truth about his innocence only came to light after he was released from … [Read more...] about Area Exonerees Discuss Life After Wrongful Imprisonment
Sister Helen on Community Bridge
During her visit to Kansas, Sr. Helen Prejean did a radio interview with the local news program "Community Bridge." Click below to listen to the interview. Sister Helen on Community Bridge … [Read more...] about Sister Helen on Community Bridge
Wichita Eagle: Rethink Death Penalty
In a March 11, 2011 editorial, the Wichita Eagle called for Kansas to rethink its death penalty in light of Illinois' recent abolition of capital punishment. The editorial cites the problems associated with Illinois' death penalty, including wrongful convictions and discriminatory treatment, as problems that could also exist in Kansas' death penalty system. In addition to … [Read more...] about Wichita Eagle: Rethink Death Penalty