NY Times Editorial Today

Editorial The Myth of Deterrence Published: April 27, 2012
One of the most frequently made claims about the death penalty is that
it deters potential murderers. That was the claim when the Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976. It is the claim today after a revival of research about the topic in the last decade.
But a distinguished committee of scholars working for the National Research Council has now reached the striking and convincing conclusion that all of the research about deterrence and the death penalty done in the past generation, including by some first-rank scholars at the most prestigious universities, should be ignored.
Read more in the NY Times

Connecticut is on the verge of repealing the state’s death penalty. Florida to kill again.

Dear Friends,

Connecticut is on the verge of repealing the state’s death penalty. The legislation passed in the Senate and will be voted on in the House next week. This action is expected to save Connecticut taxpayers $5 million a year. This will be the 5th state in 5 years to end the use of death penalty. In addition, Oregon’s governor has declared a moratorium. Other states are steadily moving closer to abolition.

In stark contrast, Florida has plans to kill David Gore next week. The following events are scheduled:

Tomorrow is Good Friday, a day when Pax Christi, the Catholic Conference, and TCADP unite in front of the Old Capitol at noon to say the Stations of the Cross. These are not the traditional prayers, but instead they are oriented to the execution of Jesus and how it relates to executions today
One week from today, on Thursday, April 12, the State of Florida will execute David Gore at 6 pm. We will gather in front of the Governor’s mansion at that time for a vigil.
On the following day, Friday, April 13, there will be a Service of Remembrance at 12 noon at the Rotunda of the Capitol to remember Mr. Gore and his victims.

Sheila Meehan
TCADP Board

Upcoming TCADP participation and actions

1. The Stations of the cross (Pax Christi) – Good Friday, April 6 at noon at the Old Capital

2. Vigil for David Goreman – Thursday, April 12 at 6 pm in front of the Governor’s Mansion

3. Service of Remembrance – Friday, April 13 at 12 noon at the Capital Rotunda

William Dillon

TALLAHASSEE – A bill that would pay former Brevard resident William Dillon $1.35 million for the 27 years he was wrongfully imprisoned for murder passed the Florida House of Representatives on Friday, likely clearing the last hurdle in his three-year fight to be compensated.

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, has advanced Dillon’s cause for the last two years. But the House had refused to consider what’s called a “claims” bill for Dillon last session, despite overwhelming evidence that he hadn’t committed the crime. Read More

Governor Scott has signed another death warrant

We are sorry to report that Governor Scott has signed another death warrant and Robert Waterhouse is scheduled to be killed by the state of Florida next week on Wednesday, February 15th at 6pm.

TCADP and others will gather in front of the Governor’s mansion shortly before 6 pm to hold a vigil for Mr. Waterhouse.

On the following day, Thursday, February 16th, we will gather at noon at the Rotunda of the Capitol to hold a Service of Remembrance for Robert Waterhouse and for victim, Deborah Kammerer. The service will be led by Pastor Marda Messick.

It is vitally important that there be a large showing next Thursday because the Legislature is in session. Floridians who oppose the death penalty must bear witness to their convictions so that lawmakers know that they cannot assume universal support for this policy. Across the country, the tide of public opinion is turning. Even those who support the death penalty in principle now realize that it is applied unjustly and arbitrarily in practice.

Please join us on Wednesday, February 15th at 6 pm at the Governor’s mansion and especially on Thursday, February 16th at noon at the Capitol Rotunda.
TCADP

Death Warrant — Vigil and Service of Remembrance

Governor Rick Scott signed a death warrant for Oba Chandler.
We will hold a vigil in front of the Governor’s mansion on the day and time of the execution — Tuesday, November 15th at 4 p.m.
On the next day, Wednesday, November 16, at 12 noon there will be a Service of Remembrance for Mr. Chandler and the victims at the Rotunda of the Capitol.

Please join us.

The Death Penalty: Evolving Issues in Florida

The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights & the American Bar Association present:The Death Penalty: Evolving Issues in Florida

A two-hour forum that will include perspective and commentary from FSU President Emeritus, former Dean of the College of Law and former American Bar Association President Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte; former Florida Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero; 2nd Judicial Circuit Judge Janet Ferris (retired); 18th Judicial Circuit Judge O.H. Eaton (retired) and former member of the ABA Florida Death Penalty Assessment Team; Harry Shorstein, former Fourth Read More

This weekend and more …

THIS Saturday and Sunday we will be signing holiday cards for prisoners. Every year we sign holiday cards for the prisoners on Florida’s Death Row. The cards and a calendar purchased by Kindred Spirits are sent to every person on Death Row in December. As in previous years, Robert and Nancy Smith Fichter are graciously opening their home for the card signing. Please come by and sign as many cards as you can. All are invited.

· Saturday, November 12 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
· Sunday, November 13 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
· Location: 710 Waverly Road, Tallahassee 32312

Death Warrant
Governor Rick Scott signed a Death Warrant and has scheduled the killing of Oba Chandler for Tuesday, November 15th at 4 p.m. We will hold a vigil on that day and time in front of the Governor’s mansion. On the following day, Wednesday, November 16, at 12 noon there will be a Service of Remembrance for Mr. Chandler and the victims at the Rotunda of the Capitol. Please join us.

Sheila Meehan
Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty

Florida lawmaker proposes firing squads for death row inmates

By Toluse Olorunnipa, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
In Print: TALLAHASSEE — At least one Florida lawmaker wants to test the limits of cruel and unusual punishment with what he calls a “lead cocktail.”
Rep. Brad Drake, a Republican from the Panhandle town of Eucheeanna, has filed legislation to introduce firing squads to Florida’s death row.
The idea, Drake said, grew out of a recent controversy surrounding the state’s new lethal injection practice. Last month, Manuel Valle was executed with a cocktail of drugs never before used in a Florida execution. The drug pentobarbital knocks inmates unconscious before a second drug paralyzes them and a third stops the heart. Read More

Valle Executed

Important — from Mark Elliott of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty:
Valle Executed

“The struggle for justice doesn’t end with me. This struggle is for all the Troy Davises who came before me and all the ones who will come after me.” — Troy Davis

Friends,

After an afternoon of misinformation from the some media reports, it has been confirmed by the Governor’s office and the DOC that Manuel Valle was pronounced dead at 7:14 pm Eastern Time.

The 4:00 pm execution had been put on hold for almost 3 hours to await a U.S. Supreme Court decision on a stay. The stay was denied and the execution commenced. It is not yet confirmed that Manuel Valle was on the gurney with IV’s started during the entire wait.

There were a dozen execution vigils and protests around our state today. Thanks to every one of you who are working to end this madness in whatever way you can. Writing Letters to the Editor, calls, emails, letters and visits to your representatives, supporting FADP…are all needed. Working together we will see an end to executions in our time…for all time.

“Never Stop Fighting for Justice and We will Win!”

—Troy Anthony Davis, Oct. 9, 1968 – Sept. 21, 2011

Shine the light,

—Mark