Today in Capital Punishment History for July 2
In 1976 the Supreme Court decided in Gregg v. GA to allow the reinstatement on the death penalty based on revised statutes. (view full calendar)
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Rachel's Fund
Remembering Rachel - Supporting Survivors of Violence
 Last summer, we lost one of our greatest abolition activists, Rachel King, after a long and valiant struggle with cancer.
Rachel was first a daughter, friend, wife and step-mother, but her personal and professional lives merged in her advocacy and efforts to make our world a better place. She did so in staff and volunteer capacities with various organizations, including Alaskans Against the Death Penalty, the ACLU Capital Punishment Project and the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, where she served on the board of directors and as our chairperson. Rachel is the author of three books, two of which explore capital punishment from the perspective of the families who suffer the most as a result of the death penalty system.
 We ask you to read more about Rachel’s history of successful advocacy here and here.
To celebrate Rachel's life and continue her legacy, NCADP has created Rachel's Fund to support the work of our state affiliates - both in the cause of abolition, and to support victims of violence. Rachel's Fund is a partnership supported by Rachel's husband Richard, her stepdaughter Lauren and her mother Jill, as well as the United Methodist Church, the National Association of Social Workers, Journey of Hope, Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation and California Crime Victims for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
Troy Anthony Davis
 Troy Anthony Davis is currently on death row in Georgia, where he awaits a decision in his case by the U.S. Supreme Court. If the Court refuses to hear his case or otherwise grant relief, his execution date could be set at any time. Tuesday, May 19th was Troy Anthony Davis Global Day of Action, an event sponsored by Amnesty International and endorsed by the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. Amnesty International also just released a new report about the case entitled "Unconscionable and Unconstitutional: Troy Davis facing fourth execution date in two years."
In 1991, Troy was convicted in the murder of off-duty police officer Mark MacPhail largely on the basis of eyewitness testimony — no physical evidence links him to the crime. Since his trial, seven of nine eyewitnesses have recanted their original statements, yet federal law prevents these new eyewitness statements from being heard.
Troy’s execution had been scheduled for September 23rd, 2008. On September 12, 2008 he was denied clemency by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles. Two hours before he was to be killed he received a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court pending its decision as to whether it would hear his appeal. On October 14, 2008, the Court denied his request for relief so that his evidence of innocence could be heard in a legal proceeding. Just one day later, Troy Davis' execution was set for October 27 at 7pm EST. On October 24, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay pending further examination and possible acceptance of a new appeal. On April 16, by a 2-1 vote the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals denied Troy’s appeal but issued a 30 stay to allow time for an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The stay has now expired.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International and the NAACP are co-sponsoring a "Week of Witness" for Troy from June 19th to June 26, 2009. During that week, faith communities in particular are encouraged to support the campaign in their programming, whether it's a weekday night study, prayer or meditation meeting, or a worship service on the weekend. People may pray for Troy, Mark, and their families. Information on Troy's case may be included in church bulletins, newsletters, or as part of regular services or meetings.
Learn more about this case and take action here.
New Mexico Becomes Second State in Two Years to Repeal the Death Penalty!
 The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty welcomes the news that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has signed legislation making New Mexico the second state in two years and the first Western state to repeal the death penalty since executions resumed in the U.S. in 1977. New Jersey abolished its death penalty in December 2007. Three years ago, New York legislators declined to revive that state’s death penalty statute concluding that with more than a decade of new information about how it worked in practice, its high costs, and the inherent risk of executing innocent people, maintaining it could not be justified.
We applaud the Governor, policymakers and the people of New Mexico for their leadership.
Please click here for the complete statement from Diann Rust-Tierney, Executive Director of the NCADP.
 Thank you for attending the 2009 NCADP Annual Conference!
Click here for information on our 2010 Annual Conference
Download the most recent issue of NCADP Lifelines, our quarterly newsletter!
The United States is moving away from the death penalty because of growing concerns about innocence, unfairness, discriminatory application, lack of efficacy and other reasons, including the ways the death penalty causes more pain for the survivors of homicide victims. These concerns have led to an eight year decline in death sentences nationwide. In 2007, the number of defendants who received a death sentence was at its lowest point since the death penalty was upheld in 1976.
Today your work to oppose – and abolish – capital punishment is more important than ever before. To join NCADP’s abolition listserv, click here. To help NCADP pay for the work that needs to be done, please donate by clicking here.
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