Founded in 1988, Death Penalty Focus is committed to the abolition of the death penalty through public education, grassroots organizing and political advocacy, media outreach, and domestic and international coalition building.

We believe that the death penalty is an ineffective, cruel, and simplistic response to the serious and complex problem of violent crime. It institutionalizes discrimination against the poor and people of color, diverts attention and financial resources away from preventative measures that would actually increase public safety, risks the execution of innocent people, and does not deter crime.

Death Penalty Focus has several active volunteer chapters in California and hundreds of thousands of supporters worldwide.

We organize year-round public education and professional media campaigns; provide speakers for schools, faith communities, and community organizations; conduct outreach to key constituents; mobilize supporters in support of or against death-penalty-related legislation; and sponsor research projects and opinion polls.

We publish and distribute a variety of publications and manage this interactive website. Our newsletter, The Focus, provides comprehensive information on current death penalty news. DPF distributes thousands of pieces of educational materials each year, available in both English and Spanish, and has developed an educational curriculum for high school teachers interested in discussing the death penalty with their students.

Death Penalty Focus is a recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID# 95-4153420

In Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 2017