Whereas Illinois Governor George Ryan has imposed a state-wide moratorium on the death penalty and has appointed a commission to study the frequency with which inmates sentenced to death have later been found innocent, and 

Whereas there is every reason to believe that the potential innocence of those on death row is an issue throughout the 38 states which currently provide for a death penalty in certain cases, and 

Whereas both supporters of the death penalty and opponents, such as the JCPA, share the desire to see that the understandable desire for punishment does not overshadow the impartial pursuit of justice, 

THEREFORE, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs resolves to:

  1. Call upon the President and the governors of all other states that impose the death penalty to impose a federal and state-wide moratorium on the death penalty, and to appoint a commission to expeditiously study the frequency with which inmates sentenced to death have later been found to be not guilty and the factors which contribute to wrongful conviction and the imposition of the death penalty in inappropriate cases;
  2. Support legislation to enact appropriate safeguards (such as access to DNA and other potentially exculpatory material) to guard against the execution of those who are not guilty.
Share

Next Up:

National Energy Policy

Take Action Donate

August 27, 2025

JCPA Statement on Minneapolis School Shooting

August 26, 2025

JCPA Urges DHS to Waive Confusing and Concerning Language for Nonprofit Security Grant Program

August 25, 2025

The New York Times: In Trump’s Second Term, Far-Right Agenda Enters the Mainstream

August 20, 2025

Communications Intern

August 19, 2025

High Holy Days 5786

August 15, 2025

The Torah of Community Relations

August 13, 2025

High Holy Days 5786

August 13, 2025

Federalizing the DC Police: Manufactured Crises and the Erosion of Democratic Protections

August 8, 2025

Eight Years Since ‘Unite the Right’ Violence in Charlottesville: A Call to Confront the Normalization of Hate

August 5, 2025

JCPA: 2024 Hate Crimes Data Underscores Crisis of Hate and Extremism