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February 17, 2015

Would you urge out-going Oregon Gov Kitzhaber to commute all death sentences?

The question in the title of this post is a (slightly modified) version of what I have asked here at my main blog, where I also link to commentaries urging mass commutation by two law professors and by a retired assistant director of institutions and superintendent of the Oregon State Penitentiary.

Notably, back in November 2011, Gov Kitzhaber placed a moratorium on all executions in his state and his statement in support of this decision can be accessed at this link.  I wonder if you find it more or less compelling and effective than the statement made by Pennsylvania Gov Wolf a few days ago. 

February 17, 2015 | Permalink

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I think that if the governor (now former?) is serious about being a death penalty abolitionist, he absolutely should commute all the death sentences. This analysis is especially interesting because Mr. Katzhaber's political career is effectively over. If he was to commute all the death sentences, he would not face any repercussions for that decision since he isn't going to run for another political office.
What he does have the ability to do is create a lasting legacy that goes beyond his reasons for resignation.

Also I believe this is the article that was mentioned in class. It is a very good read, and really describes how Oregon views the death penalty outside of just the Governor's post. Because most of the state is against the death penalty, commuting the sentences would be a good move even for the incoming governor to start his term with.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/charles-ogletree/gov-kitzhaber-your-job-is-not-yet-done_b_6699056.html

Posted by: Chris Santoro | Feb 18, 2015 1:33:26 PM

I absolutely agree that commuting the sentences of all the individuals on death row in his state would be a better move. First of all, while a moratorium is a step in the right direction, it isn't necessarily going to be the catalyst for statewide re-evaluation of the mechanics of capital punishment. All proponents of retaining the death penalty need to do, is wait until the next election and vote in a governor who will repeal the moratorium. However, if the governor, instead, commuted all death sentences to sentences of life, or LWOP, the changes would be permanent. Secondly, such a move by the governor, being more drastic and media-worthy, is more likely to bring about the sort of statewide overhaul the governor seems to be calling for. If the governor really wants to bring about sincere and lasting change, he should definitely take the strongest action he can. Echoing Chris above, this is especially true given the likely end of his political career.

Posted by: Tamas Tabor | Feb 18, 2015 3:16:33 PM

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