Death Penalty
The death penalty is the ultimate, irreversible denial of human rights. By working towards the abolition of the death penalty worldwide, Amnesty International USA's Death Penalty Abolition Campaign looks to end the cycle of violence created by a system riddled with economic and racial bias and tainted by human error.
Supreme Court Postpones Decision onTroy Davis Appeal!
Troy Davis, a man who may well be innocent, faces execution following a trial with no physical evidence. Further, 7 out of 9 state witnesses have since recanted or altered their testimony. Photo: Amnesty International solidarity for Troy Davis
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Davis’ petition has been postponed until late September. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't keep taking action! Troy was convicted of killing police officer Mark MacPhail nearly two decades ago. No one has bothered to answer the critical questions behind the case that could leave a brutal murder of a police officer unpunished and take the life of a man who may well be innocent. TAKE ACTION! Urge the District Attorney to reopen Troy's case » 
New Mexico Abolishes the Death Penalty!On Wednesday, March 18, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed into law a bill to abolish the death penalty! New Mexico now becomes the 15th state to outlaw capital punishment, and the 2nd in only two years. Congratulations to the New Mexico Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty, and to all who have been working so hard there! |
Troy Davis story on Democracy Now! newsTroy Davis' case and story is documented in a Democracy Now! news segment. 
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Seek understanding - Mental IllnessThe execution of those with mental illness or "the insane" is clearly prohibited by international law and virtually every country in the world. Despite these standards, and constitutional law, the USA continues to execute people with diagnosed schizophrenia, those that suffer from severe delusions, and others with clinically-labeled mental illnesses. 
International Death PenaltyAround 137 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice. On average, in the past decade more than three countries a year have abolished the death penalty for all crimes. Despite international human rights standards, some nations still execute people. Around the world, the death penalty is used as a tool of political repression and a means to forever silence political opponents or eliminate politically 'troublesome' individuals. |
Capital Punishment in the USASince 1977, over 1,100 people have been executed in the U.S.; there are currently around 3,300 men and women on death row across the country. Grassroots activists throughout the USA play an essential role in advocating against this human rights violation through monitoring cases, mobilizing around upcoming events, and lobbying for anti-death penalty legislation. |
