Post Reports Why many people on death row will never be executed
Dec 2, 2024
Mark Berman, a criminal justice reporter for The Washington Post, dives deep into the complexities of the American death penalty system. He discusses why over 2,000 individuals on death row may never face execution due to factors like moratoriums and court orders. The conversation highlights the emotional toll on inmates and victims' families, revealing a fractured justice system struggling with moral dilemmas and declining public support for capital punishment. Berman sheds light on the implications of this prolonged limbo for justice in America.
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Lesko's Limbo
- John Lesko, sentenced to death in 1980, remains on death row.
- His case highlights the complexities of the American death penalty system.
Executions on Hold
- Over half of death row inmates are in states with halted executions.
- Governors' orders, court rulings, and drug shortages contribute to this.
Shifting Views on Capital Punishment
- Difficulty obtaining lethal injection drugs has hindered executions.
- Declining public support and concerns about fairness contribute to this shift.