Notable Passing:

Today we mourn the loss of Rev. Jim Lawson, a beacon of justice, peace, and unwavering faith. As a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, his teachings and actions inspired generations to fight for equality and nonviolence.

Rev. Lawson's legacy is one of courage, compassion, and a tireless commitment to making the world a better place. His life's work stands as a testament to the power of love and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Thank you, Rev. Lawson, for your incredible contributions to humanity. Your light will continue to guide us.

Rest in power.

– Death Penalty Focus

In 2013, DPF President Mike Farrell narrated the following tribute video to the Rev. James Larson:

Reverend James M. Lawson Jr. (1928–2024)

Webinar:

"Alameda County, CA Prosecutors and the Exclusion of Jewish and Black Jurors."

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 • Noon PT – 3:00pm ET

Moderated by DPF President Mike Farrell, in conversation with attorneys Brian Pomerantz and Ann-Kathryn Tria, this webinar examined how the Alameda County District Attorney's Office systematically excluded people of certain faiths, races, and genders from serving on juries. Pomerantz and Tria, each co-counsel for Ernest Dykes, discussed how his death sentence appeal became the catalyst for the discovery of the practice, and the subsequent order by a federal judge for the DA's office to review 35 death sentences going back 30 years for evidence of jury exclusion.

Webinar:

"Inside the Killing Machine" – A spiritual advisor’s decades on death watch.

Video & Resources are Available

A Conversation on “The Torture of Solitary Confinement”

Making a Murderer: False Confessions, Wrongful Convictions

Webinar: Lethal Injection Lies

On Demand Webinar

Torture and the Death Penalty: in Recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty

News and Updates

Catch the latest death penalty news on the DPF blog...

“SCOTUS’ guardrails have given way to removing roadblocks,” says a USF law professor

The Focus

Florida prosecutor seeks death penalty in sex abuse case in a test of a new state law

The Focus

While we’re on the subject. . . .

The Focus

Arizona officials at odds over who has the authority to seek a death warrant

The California Committee on Revision of the Penal Code’s recommendation to eliminate the death penalty is so significant that, “ When the story is told about how the death penalty was abolished in California, the work of a little-known legislative committee will deserve an entire chapter,” DPF board member Stephen Rohde declares.

After Trump's rush of executions, President Biden and a Democratic Congress want to abolish the federal death penalty

Two prominent voices, one a former Democratic US senator, the other a former Republican-appointed US attorney, call on President Biden to commute all federal death sentences, writing that “the death penalty . . . is no longer the polarizing issue it once was.”

Upcoming Events

We are not just names and numbers

I’m grateful to Death Penalty Focus and other organizations, religious and secular, that are faithfully keeping my hope alive. The arc of justice bends slowly — and can sometimes be deflected — but continues to bend toward justice… and mercy.

Chip Sharpe

Supporter of Death Penalty Focus

I believe nobody has the right to take anyone’s life no matter the crime. I believe in redemption & mercy and yes, re integration into society if at all possible.

Gerlind Kennedy

Supporter of Death Penalty Focus

Chip Sharpe

Supporter of Death Penalty Focus

"Alameda County, CA Prosecutors and the Exclusion of Jewish and Black Jurors."

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 • Noon PT – 3:00pm ET

"Inside the Killing Machine" – A spiritual advisor’s decades on death watch.

Video & Resources are Available

A Conversation on “The Torture of Solitary Confinement”

Now available On-Demand

Making a Murderer: False Confessions, Wrongful Convictions

Now available On-Demand

Webinar: Lethal Injection Lies

Now available On-Demand

On Demand Webinar

Torture and the Death Penalty: in Recognition of World Day Against the Death Penalty

News and Updates

Catch the latest death penalty news on the DPF blog...

“SCOTUS’ guardrails have given way to removing roadblocks,” says a USF law professor

Florida prosecutor seeks death penalty in sex abuse case in a test of a new state law

While we’re on the subject. . . .

In brief: June 2024

Arizona officials at odds over who has the authority to seek a death warrant

Headlines

After Trump's rush of executions, President Biden and a Democratic Congress want to abolish the federal death penalty

Two prominent voices, one a former Democratic US senator, the other a former Republican-appointed US attorney, call on President Biden to commute all federal death sentences, writing that “the death penalty . . . is no longer the polarizing issue it once was.”

Upcoming Events

We are not just names and numbers

Chip Sharpe

Gerlind Kennedy

Chip Sharpe

Together we can end the death penalty