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.
Ralph Leroy Menzies, convicted of a 1986 murder, was days away from execution when the court intervened
Curtis Windom’s death marks Florida’s 11th execution in 2025 — a new state record since capital punishment resumed in 1976
In one case, a judge blocked the DOJ’s attempt to seek the death penalty for a 2022 police officer killing, citing due process violations
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
Idaho would become the fifth state to approve a firing squad as a backup to the lethal injection drug shortage
In a letter, Gov. Kay Ivey said “it is time to resume our duty of carrying out lawful death sentences”
A veteran officer called the killing “horrific,” saying “it’s the worst one I’ve seen, certainly in 22 years”
The state has executed more inmates per capita than any other state since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976
The state eliminated its never-used firing squad option in 2009, but has been unable to secure the drugs needed for lethal injection executions
Jurors in the inmate’s case were wrongly told that the only way to ensure he would never walk free was to sentence him to death
Andre Thomas’ attorneys say he will never be competent for his April 5 execution.
Nitrogen hypoxia is seen as a solution to the difficulty of obtaining lethal injection drugs
The attorney is calling for an investigation, accusing officials of moving ahead with the lethal injection while federal appeals were still outstanding
Raheem Taylor long maintained that he was in California when his girlfriend and her three young children were killed in 2004
Kenneth Eugene Smith was scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection last year for a 1988 murder-for-hire slaying
If the bill passes as is, Florida would have “the most extreme death penalty statute in the country”
