The Interview Allen Ault: Opposing the death penalty
Mar 17, 2025
In a gripping conversation, Allen Ault, a former commissioner of corrections in Georgia turned death penalty abolitionist, dives deep into his challenging journey. He reflects on the psychological toll of overseeing executions and the haunting memories that followed. Ault uncovers the emotional burden on those involved in capital punishment, questioning its morality and efficacy. He also discusses the political landscape surrounding the death penalty, revealing the complexities and biases that informed his transformation from executioner to advocate for justice reform.
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Ault's Role in Executions
- As Georgia's Commissioner of Corrections, Allen Ault oversaw executions.
- He still experiences nightmares related to this role.
From Rehabilitation to Executions
- Ault, trained as a psychologist, entered corrections to rehabilitate.
- He unexpectedly became responsible for death row and executions.
Christopher Berger's Case
- Ault oversaw Christopher Berger's execution, a juvenile with limited IQ when convicted.
- Berger expressed remorse, impacting Ault significantly.