death sentences

D.A.s Are Asking Biden to End the Death Penalty. But Some Are Still Wielding It Themselves

Prosecutors who have championed criminal justice reforms are still seeking death sentences, opposing appeals, and, in some cases, have even petitioned for execution dates.

Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg Apr 05, 2021

Tennessee Man Could Be The First Person In Nearly A Century To Be Executed After Being Forced To Represent Himself At Trial

Across the country, the death penalty is in steep decline. But in September, the state’s attorney general sought execution dates for nine men, and its Supreme Court set dates for two of them.

Steven Hale Feb 18, 2020

Chicago Police Torture: Explained

Kelly Hayes Dec 06, 2019

As Support For Capital Punishment Wanes, An Ohio D.A. Continues To Push For Death

In Franklin County, experts say Ron O’Brien’s capital cases—which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars— amount to ‘just taxpayer money being lit on fire.’

Joshua Vaughn Dec 05, 2019

Oklahoma Department of Corrections Agrees to Move ‘Qualifying’ Death Row Prisoners Out of Tomblike Unit

Some death row prisoners will be moved to another unit with access to direct sunlight, fenced-in recreation, and contact visits, department says.

Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg Sep 28, 2019

Oklahoma’s Death Row Prisoners Are Forced Into Permanent Solitary Confinement. They are ‘Buried Alive,’ Advocates Say.

Civil rights groups demand change as other states move away from the practice of isolating people sentenced to death.

Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg Sep 25, 2019

Philadelphia D.A. Asks Court to Declare Death Penalty System Unconstitutional

Larry Krasner says the punishment is ‘really about poverty’ and race.

Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg Jul 15, 2019