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.
Lawmakers across the U.S. are advancing more than 100 bills to expand or limit capital punishment, even as executions reach their highest total since 2012
Stephen Bryant will be the third person executed by firing squad in South Carolina since executions resumed in 2024
Anthony Boyd was executed at Holman prison for his role in the 1993 killing of Gregory Huguley, who was burned alive over a drug debt
The AG’s Office challenged the credibility of the inmate’s psychiatric evaluation; saying medical records show his mental illness is managed through medication
Eight loved ones of correctional officers Jason Acton and Leon Egley attended the execution
Steven Petric turned down the possibility of one day being set free and instead wants to take his chances with a jury - again
Michael Tisius, 42, died by lethal injection at 6:10 p.m. for killing two COs during a botched jail escape
Michael Tisius is scheduled to die by injection at the state prison in Bonne Terre for killing Leon Egley and Jason Acton at the Randolph County Jail
Investigators believe Heather Leavell-Keaton and her boyfriend physically abused the children for years, locked them in closets and gave them little food
The delay comes after Michael Tisius’ lawyers claimed a juror in his 2010 resentencing could not read or write
The corrections commissioner said the prison system has also added medical professionals, ordered new equipment and conducted additional rehearsals
Michael Tisius was 19 years old when he murdered two Randolph County corrections officers during a botched escape attempt in 2000
Bryan Kohberger’s trial has been set for early October. The prosecutor now has 60 days to inform the court whether he will seek the death penalty in the case
When Michael Tisius tried to escape the Randolph County Jail in 2000, he shot and killed corrections officers Jason Acton and Leon Egley
Smith was set to die in 2022, but survived after workers couldn’t start an intravenous line for the lethal injection drugs before the state’s execution warrant expired
Lethal injections were put on hold after Alabama called off two due to difficulties establishing IV access and another execution was delayed because of IV line problems
The new law no longer requires unanimous jury recommendations for judges to impose death-penalty sentences
S.C. has had an unintended 12-year moratorium on the death penalty after its lethal injection drugs expired and pharmacies refused to sell the state more
Micky Ray Cage’s death is under investigation. He had been on death row for about 20 years
After being brought into the death chamber, Darryl Barwick said, “I can’t explain why I did what I did. It’s time to apologize to the family ... I’m sorry”
In an unusual move for a prosecutor, the Attorney General filed his motion agreeing with defense attorneys that Richard Glossip deserves a stay
Gov. Ron DeSantis also signed a bill to end a unanimous jury requirement in death penalty sentencing
Richard Glossip is scheduled to die by lethal injection on May 18
Along with hiding the name of the sellers of drugs, the bill also keeps the names and normal jobs of the members of the execution team from the public
The prosecutor still has not said whether he will seek the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger if he is convicted
Darryl B. Barwick set to be executed next month for 1986 murder of Florida Panhandle resident, Rebecca Wendt
They must explain why the court shouldn’t issue an order against them on the grounds they are violating the constitutional rights of victims
State joins Mississippi, Utah, Oklahoma and South Carolina allowing firing squads if other execution methods are unavailable
Gov. Katie Hobbs said executions won’t be carried out until they can be confident that the state isn’t violating constitutional rights
House Bill 186 passed the Senate by a 24-11 vote; it overwhelmingly passed the House earlier this month
The state’s governor said he would consider signing the newly proposed bill into law if passed by legislature
State asks for audio tapes back from the Library of Virginia after a NPR story on the existence of execution recordings
State District Judge Jim Fallon withdrew the date after lawyers requested more time to review competency
