Recently it was brought to my attention that some novelty item manufacturers make simulated electric chair executions. Life-like mannequins are strapped into realistic-looking devices which buzz and crackle as the figures convulse or scream with every "jolt." Some models include "smoke" emitting from the figures. A few videotaped examples are...

Three years ago, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonio Scalia wrote:

"[There has not been] a single case -- not one -- in which it is clear that a person was executed for a crime he did not commit. If such an event had occurred in recent years, we would...

On Father's Day we pause to acknowledge and honor the crucial role that fathers play in our families, our communities, and our nation. In the midst of the barbecues and the ceremonial exchange of ties and golf clubs, there are fathers for whom this must be the worst of times....

One of the many disturbing aspects of capital punishment is that it has no guarantee against mistaken convictions and executions. This risk of mistakes was driven home again on May 12th, just days ago, when a Tennessee District Attorney dropped all charges against former death row inmate Paul House, who...

I will be the first to admit that I am not a biblical scholar and lay no claim to a particularly profound understanding of Easter from a theological perspective. Nevertheless, I would respectfully submit that Easter is an appropriate time to reflect on the institution of capital punishment.

For one...

New Mexico is known for its breathtaking mountain ranges and vast deserts; its Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Inscription Rock at El Morro; its 13,161 foot tall Wheeler Peak; its mineral wealth contributing to its economy, notably its uranium, manganese and copper; its leadership in exploring ways to harness and...

If you think forensic science is always accurate and results in mistake-proof crime convictions as portrayed on "CSI" and other TV crime dramas, a new report by the National Research Council strongly indicates otherwise.

The report says that many forensic methods relied upon by police and prosecutors...

When one hears the term "abolitionists" one automatically thinks of the courageous men and women, white and African American, who aided runaway slaves fleeing to freedom in the nation's Northern states and Canada.

A parallel abolitionist movement developed in the U.S. of the late 18th century, continuing into the 19th...

The outcome of the election for President, and for state and local legislators, not only demonstrates how much Americans want change. It confirms Americans' commitment to our fundamental values of equality and fairness. It gives me reason to hope that we will soon see the end of the death penalty....