We have a responsibility to stop doing those things that are wasteful and ineffective. -Martin O'Malley (D), Gov. of MD
Our capital system is haunted by … error in determining guilt and … in determining who among the guilty deserves to die … The Legislature couldn't reform it, lawmakers won't repeal it, and I won't stand for it -- I must act. … the Illinois death penalty system is arbitrary and capricious - and therefore immoral. -George Ryan (R), frmr Gov. of IL
We make mistakes throughout the criminal justice system, unfortunately. … the state should [not] be in the business of taking anybody's life, no matter how horrendous the crime. -Richard Smith (R), CT state leg.
This is the day we join the rest of Western civilization by abolishing the death penalty. - Ben Jealous, NAACP Pres.