Capital Punishment
Capital Punishment is a profoundly complex and controversial aspect of the criminal justice system. This section provides articles that explore the history, legal frameworks, and ethical debates surrounding Capital Punishment in various jurisdictions. Correctional professionals can gain insights into the procedures, implications, and ongoing discussions about using the death penalty. Understanding Capital Punishment is crucial for those involved in its administration and those engaged in broader criminal justice reform efforts. For further context, explore related topics on supermax prisons.
Ramiro Gonzales was executed at the Texas State Penitentiary on June 26 for killing Bridget Townsend, the same day that Bridget would have turned 41
Gov. Mike Parson declined to grant clemency the day before the scheduled execution, citing the inmate’s “lack of remorse” for the 2009 killings
The Alabama attorney general issued a statement that said the inmate’s “actions were cold and calculated, and his assigned punishment has never been more deserved”
Robert Pruett was given a lethal injection for the fatal attack on corrections officer Daniel Nagle
They are questioning whether a prisoner who claims actual innocence can be put to death
His attorney says the convicted killer has so much fluid in his lungs that he can’t lie flat on the execution table for a lethal injection
Judge Kelly Wayne Parker sentenced Marvin Rice to death in the 2011 slaying of Annette Durham and to life in prison in the slaying of Steven Strotkamp
For his final words, Michael Lambrix said, “I wish to say the Lord’s Prayer.”
The Alabama Department of Corrections will execute Jeffrey Lynn Borden on Thursday, barring any other legal actions
At issue were arguments by 58-year-old Anthony Sowell over the closure of an evidence hearing during his trial and his rejected offer to plead guilty
Keith Leroy Tharpe was scheduled to be executed at 7 p.m. Tuesday
Lawyers for both inmates argue the first drug in Ohio’s lethal injection process creates the risk that prisoners being put to death will suffer serious pain
Jack Gordon Greene’s attorneys asked a judge to hold a hearing on whether Greene is incompetent to be executed
A judge ordered officials last week to reveal more details about one of the drugs the state plans to use in a November execution
The inmate’s attorneys said he was denied access to the tire iron used, which they said could contain exculpatory DNA evidence
Mike Begley is a rare breed, a correctional officer who has spent most of his career working on death row at San Quentin State Prison
Attorneys argue that the 59-year-old inmate’s death sentence was tainted by a juror’s racial bias
The inmate’s lawyers outlined his rough childhood, struggles with substance abuse and his remorse over the killing
Percy Hutton’s attorney argues the execution date shouldn’t be scheduled because Hutton still has federal appeals pending
The description of Gary Otte’s reaction to the first execution drug was not enough to show he “was experiencing unconstitutionally severe pain”
A judge said manufacturers don’t enjoy the same secrecy as others under the state’s execution procedures
District Attorney Stephen Bradley said he plans to seek the death penalty against Donnie Russell Rowe and Ricky Dubose, who allegedly killed COs three months ago
Gary Otte, 45, was put to death at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility with a lethal combination of three drugs
Gary Otte is scheduled to die at 10 a.m. Wednesday
The Indiana Court of Appeals agreed in a June ruling that effectively halted lethal executions in Indiana
A federal court is considering Gary Otte’s argument that the first drug creates an unconstitutional risk of severe harm
Steven Shults said he wants to be sure prison officials are complying with state law
Gary Otte is scheduled to die Sept. 13
They argued the execution should not go forward while there’s a pending trial on the “constitutionality of the method of execution that the state intends to use”
Keith Leroy Tharpe told his wife that if she wanted to “play dirty,” he would show her “what dirty was”
Michael Ray Lambrix’s lawyers said they live in the expected storm path and need time to help their families get ready
The court ruled that a federal judge prematurely dismissed the inmates’ claims and should have held evidentiary hearings
Gov. John Kasich also rescheduled 19 executions after reviewing the timeline for putting the inmates to death