As Death Penalty Questions Swirl, Bar Association Hosting Debate

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Bar Association's death penalty task force is hosting a discussion and debate, just days after Cook County's public defender said his office can no longer afford to handle dozens of capital cases.

The discussion, which is set for Friday, will review the 2002 Governor's Commission on Capital Punishment report. And arguments will be heard for and against using capital punishment in Illinois.

Illinois has had a moratorium on the death penalty since 2000, when former Gov. George Ryan emptied death row. Prosecutors can still seek it, though.

On Wednesday, Cook County Public Defender Abishi (ah-BEE-shy) Cunningham announced plans to file motions in about 60 capital cases, asking the judge to either rule out the death penalty or appoint private lawyers.

-ASSOCIATED PRESS