Support for the Death Penalty at Historic Low, Gallup Reports
Support for the death penalty in the U.S. has dropped to its lowest level since the early 1970s, with only 53% of Americans now backing capital punishment, according to a recent Gallup poll. This marks a significant decline from previous decades, with support consistently above 60% for much of the 20th century.
The polling agency attributes the decline to generational shifts, noting that younger people—those born after 1980—are less likely to support the death penalty compared to older Americans. As younger generations come to dominate the electorate, the trend suggests that the national consensus on capital punishment is gradually shifting. The survey reflects broader societal shifts, including increasing concerns about racial and economic disparities in the justice system, as well as growing awareness about wrongful convictions.
This drop in support coincides with a wider conversation about the death penalty’s effectiveness, fairness, and its role in the criminal justice system. With such dramatic changes in public opinion, it’s possible that the U.S. could be on the cusp of a major shift in its approach to capital punishment.
Mistrial in Death Penalty Case After Jury Deadlocks
In a high-profile death penalty case in Sacramento, the jury has deadlocked on whether to sentence Adel Ramos to death after he pleaded guilty to killing Sacramento police officer Tara O’Sullivan in 2019. The jury was split 11-1 on the death penalty decision, ultimately leading to a mistrial. This case highlights the continuing divide within the public and the jury system regarding capital punishment, even in cases involving police officers.
The case of Officer O’Sullivan’s killing reignited debates about whether the death penalty is an appropriate response to certain crimes, especially when it comes to high-profile cases involving law enforcement. Despite the severity of the crime, the inability of the jury to reach a unanimous decision underscores the moral and ethical complexities of sentencing someone to death. The outcome of this trial also reflects growing concerns about the racial, socioeconomic, and psychological factors that influence death penalty cases.
California’s Racial Justice Act: A Mixed Track Record
California’s Racial Justice Act, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020, aimed to address racial bias in the state’s criminal justice system, particularly in death penalty cases. Assemblymember Ash Kalra, who authored the law, framed it as a major step toward ensuring fairness and justice, stating that it would help “move us closer to a system that truly reflects justice for all.”
However, a new study released this month reveals mixed results. In the four years since its enactment, only a dozen cases have successfully proven that racial bias influenced their criminal conviction. Despite its ambitious goals, the law has yet to produce widespread systemic changes, and its impact has been limited. This raises important questions about how effective such legal reforms are in addressing deep-seated biases in the justice system, especially when it comes to the death penalty.
While the Racial Justice Act represents a significant attempt to acknowledge and correct historical injustices, its limited success in actual cases calls attention to the ongoing challenges in reforming the criminal justice system. The law’s slow progress also underscores the difficulty of confronting institutional racism within a system that has been entrenched for centuries.
States Continue to Tinker with the Machinery of Death
In November 2024, state officials from Idaho to Alabama have continued to adjust and modify their death penalty practices. These adjustments, which range from changes in lethal injection protocols to new legal challenges and attempts to rush executions, highlight the complexities and flaws of capital punishment. As some states ramp up executions, others are looking for ways to reintroduce or fine-tune death penalty processes that have been sidelined in recent years due to legal battles and public pushback.
In these states, there is an ongoing tension between political leaders pushing to restore or expand the death penalty and a growing number of citizens and lawmakers questioning its morality and efficacy. The rise of secrecy laws, intended to shield the identities of executioners and suppliers of lethal drugs, has further fueled concerns about the transparency and fairness of the death penalty system.
The recent increase in executions and efforts to bypass or streamline execution procedures is a stark reminder of the divisiveness and complexity of the death penalty debate. As we see a resurgence in some areas, it is clear that the battle over capital punishment in the U.S. is far from over.
The Flaws of the Federal Death Penalty and the Myths of Public Safety
In related news, the Death Penalty Information Center recently published a report highlighting how the federal death penalty system shares many of the same flaws as state-level systems, including racial disparities, inefficiencies, and errors in sentencing. The report also underscores the historical connection between current federal death sentences and the “extra-judicial lynchings” of the past, linking modern-day executions to the legacy of racial injustice in the U.S.
Additionally, an analysis of the recently released “Homicide Study” has debunked the myth that the death penalty contributes to public safety. The study found no measurable correlation between the use of the death penalty and lower homicide rates, challenging the argument often used by death penalty proponents that capital punishment serves as a deterrent.
These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence suggesting that the death penalty is not only ineffective but also harmful to the pursuit of justice. As public opinion shifts and more studies emerge, the argument for abolition becomes increasingly compelling. The federal death penalty, like its state counterparts, is beset by flaws that undermine its fairness, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
A Nation at a Crossroads on Capital Punishment
As the support for the death penalty continues to decline, especially among younger generations, it is clear that the U.S. is at a crossroads when it comes to capital punishment. From mistrials and legislative reforms to the uncovering of systemic biases and the debunking of myths about deterrence, the cracks in the death penalty system are becoming more apparent.
The shift in public opinion, coupled with legal and political challenges to the death penalty in several states, signals that the conversation about its future is far from over. Whether the U.S. will move toward abolition or a reformed death penalty system remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the status quo is no longer sustainable. The growing body of evidence against the death penalty and the continued public debate suggest that change may be on the horizon.
A New Chapter for Conservatives Concerned: Exciting Changes Ahead
I can hardly believe it, but the time has finally come to share some exciting news about the future of Conservatives Concerned. After months of anticipation and planning, I’m thrilled to announce a major new direction for our organization—and I wanted you, our loyal supporters, to be among the first to hear it.
We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings in Montana back in 2009, and the national launch of our movement in 2013. Since then, Conservatives Concerned has grown into a leading voice for conservative opposition to the death penalty. We’ve made incredible strides, and we’re proud to have helped lead efforts to repeal the death penalty in Colorado, New Hampshire, and Virginia, with conservative support driving those victories. In states like Utah and Wyoming, we saw Republican-sponsored repeal bills come within a hair’s breadth of passing. And in Ohio, conservatives are currently at the forefront of challenging a broken system that’s marked by inefficiency, injustice, and inaccuracy.
We are at a moment of great momentum—but also, as you’ve likely noticed, a moment of great challenge. Across the country, people from all walks of life are waking up to the fact that the death penalty is a failed public policy. For the first time ever, a Gallup poll showed that a majority of Americans now believe that capital punishment is unfairly administered.
But with this rising awareness, we’re also seeing a disturbing resurgence of “tough on crime” rhetoric and policies, as well as troubling secrecy laws that shield executions from public scrutiny. In just the past couple of weeks, six executions have taken place in five different states—highlighting the urgency of our mission.
Given these challenges and the new opportunities on the horizon, it’s clear that Conservatives Concerned needs to evolve—and I’m excited to share what’s next.
What’s New at Conservatives Concerned?
We’ve been hard at work overhauling our organization’s identity to better reflect the times, enhance our outreach, and make our work more effective in the fight against the death penalty. Here are just a few of the changes you can expect:
- Modern Branding and Messaging: Our new name, logo, and branding reflect the importance of social media and mobile technology in communication and activism today. We’re adapting to meet the moment, ensuring that our message reaches the right people where they are.
- A Brand-New Website: Our revamped website will serve as a dynamic hub for everything related to our work. You’ll find up-to-date news, helpful resources, and a platform to connect with state chapters and partners. Plus, we’ll be sharing real stories and perspectives from conservatives, law enforcement, exonerees, victims’ family members, and others directly impacted by the justice system.
- Expanded Conversations on Key Issues: We’re broadening the scope of our discussions, moving beyond the death penalty to tackle connected issues like the legacies of slavery and Jim Crow, the causes and consequences of trauma, and more effective responses to violence. We believe these conversations are crucial to understanding and solving the deep-rooted problems in our justice system.
- More Opportunities for Action: We’ll be offering new and expanded opportunities for action—whether it’s supporting campaigns to stop executions or working to end the death penalty altogether. We want to ensure that our movement continues to grow and mobilize conservatives across the nation.
- Ongoing Updates and Improvements: This is just the beginning. We’ll continue to add fresh content and updates to our site in the coming weeks, months, and years, to make sure we stay connected to our supporters and adapt to the ever-changing political landscape.
Check Out Our New Look and Get Involved
In the meantime, I encourage you to visit our updated website and explore the work of our chapters in states like Oklahoma, where conservatives are pushing for a moratorium on executions; Tennessee, where executions are on hold after a report uncovered the state’s repeated failures to follow its own protocols; and Texas, where a bipartisan group of lawmakers successfully halted the execution of a man convicted based on the discredited “shaken baby syndrome” theory.
There is much more to come, but I’m excited about this next chapter for Conservatives Concerned. Together, we’re working to build a justice system that is fairer, more effective, and free from the devastating flaws that the death penalty represents.
How You Can Help
If you’re as excited as we are about these changes, here are a few things you can do to help:
- Share our work: Please forward this message to anyone you think may be interested in learning more about Conservatives Concerned or joining our efforts. The more people we can engage, the stronger our movement becomes.
- Stay engaged: Continue to follow us on social media, read our updates, and participate in campaigns. Your support helps us keep the momentum going.
- Reach out: If you have any questions, want to get more involved, or just want to chat about the next steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together.
I want to take a moment to thank our team, partners, and allies across the country who have worked tirelessly to develop our new branding and website, and who have supported our work over the years. I am deeply grateful for the foundation laid by my predecessors and the inspiring commitment of death penalty abolitionists nationwide. And most of all, thank you to supporters like you who make everything we do possible.
We’ve come so far, but there’s still so much work to be done. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m confident that together, we will continue to push for a justice system that reflects our values as conservatives—values of life, fairness, and true justice.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Let’s keep the fight alive.
Robert Roberson: An Innocent Father on Death Row in Texas
For over 20 years, Robert Roberson has sat on death row in Texas, convicted of a crime he did not commit. Diagnosed with autism, Robert is an innocent man who has endured a relentless and tragic battle against a flawed justice system. His conviction was based on the now-debunked “Shaken Baby Syndrome” hypothesis, a medical theory that has since been discredited. This outdated and incorrect science was used to secure his conviction in the death of his daughter, Nikki. However, new and overwhelming medical and scientific evidence has emerged, showing that Nikki’s death was not caused by abuse, but by chronic health issues, including undiagnosed pneumonia.
Despite this compelling evidence, no court has ever reviewed it in depth, and Robert remains on death row, facing a potential execution that could end his life before justice is served.
A Narrow Escape and the Fight for Justice
Robert Roberson was scheduled for execution on October 17, 2024. However, his life was spared—at least temporarily—thanks to the tireless efforts of a brave bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers. These lawmakers held hearings to examine why the courts had failed to provide relief for innocent people like Robert, whose cases were based on outdated, “junk science.” The hearings, and the subpoenaed testimony from Robert himself, led to a temporary stay of execution.
This pause in his execution was a vital opportunity for justice, but it is far from a guarantee. On November 15, 2024, the Supreme Court of Texas lifted the stay of execution. This means that District Attorney Allyson Mitchell has the power to file a motion with the trial court to set a new execution date. If she does, Robert could be executed within 90 days, despite the overwhelming new evidence of his innocence that has not been adequately considered by any court.
The Fight for Robert’s Life
Robert’s case is a stark reminder of the failings of the criminal justice system—especially when it comes to the death penalty. The “Shaken Baby Syndrome” hypothesis that led to his wrongful conviction is now widely considered to be junk science. Medical experts have debunked the theory, explaining that many of the symptoms previously attributed to violent shaking are actually consistent with natural causes, such as infections, genetic disorders, or accidents. In Robert’s case, Nikki’s chronic health conditions—specifically pneumonia—may have been the true cause of her death, yet no one has thoroughly examined this evidence.
The failure to review this evidence in a meaningful way puts Robert at risk of being executed for a crime he did not commit. The Texas courts have refused to consider the new scientific evidence, and it is only through public pressure and advocacy that Robert might have a chance at justice.
How You Can Help:
We urge you to take action in support of Robert Roberson. Texas District Attorney Allyson Mitchell has the discretion to decide whether or not to seek a new execution date for Robert. It is crucial that she choose not to move forward with another execution date, given the serious doubts about his guilt.
Please take a moment to send a polite but firm email to District Attorney Mitchell urging her to use her discretion to prevent Robert Roberson’s execution. A simple message like the one below can make a difference:
Sample Email:
Subject: Urge DA Allyson Mitchell Not to Seek New Execution Date for Robert Roberson
Dear District Attorney Mitchell,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding Robert Roberson, who could receive a new execution date despite the overwhelming new evidence of his innocence. This evidence, including the fact that his daughter’s death was likely caused by chronic health issues like undiagnosed pneumonia, has never been meaningfully reviewed by any court. In the interest of truth and justice, I urge you to use your discretion as District Attorney to not seek a new execution date for Mr. Roberson.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City, State]
Additional Steps You Can Take:
- Support Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (TCADP): This organization has been a crucial ally in Robert’s case and in the broader fight to end the death penalty in Texas. Get involved, stay informed, and lend your support.
- Spread the Word: Share Robert’s story on social media, with friends, and within your community. The more people who know about his case, the stronger the call for justice will be.
- Stay Engaged: Follow updates on Robert’s case and other important death penalty issues in Texas. Every voice counts in the fight to end state-sanctioned killing.
Why This Matters:
Robert Roberson’s case is not just about one innocent man—it’s about the entire death penalty system and the irreparable harm it causes. It’s about ensuring that no one is executed without a fair chance to prove their innocence, especially when new evidence emerges that could exonerate them. Robert’s life is on the line, and with your help, we can make sure his case is heard and that justice prevails.
Thank you for standing with Robert, his family, and all those who are wrongly convicted.
Together, we can stop another wrongful execution in Texas.
As President Biden’s time in office winds down, advocates across the country are calling for bold federal action on the death penalty. Throughout his presidency, Biden has expressed strong support for clemency, particularly for those serving disproportionately severe sentences, and has shown interest in ending the federal death penalty altogether. However, with the end of his term fast approaching, there is growing concern that his window of opportunity to act is closing, leaving potentially dozens of federal death sentences unaddressed.
In recent days, the call for commutation has intensified. On November 29, 2024, Congressional Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Jim Clyburn, Mary Gay Scanlon, and Ilhan Omar, alongside activists and organizations, held a joint press conference urging President Biden to grant clemency to federal prisoners, including those facing federal death sentences. More than 60 members of Congress have also signed a letter urging the President to take decisive action before leaving office.
The stakes are high. While President Biden has committed to reforming the federal justice system, including moving toward ending federal executions, the political landscape may shift dramatically with the upcoming presidential election. President-Elect Trump has made it clear that he plans to reinstate and expand the use of the federal death penalty, making these final months of Biden’s presidency a critical moment for advocacy.
In response to this urgent issue, the Federation Against the Death Penalty (FADP), in partnership with more than two dozen organizations nationwide, is mobilizing its supporters. One of the key initiatives is a petition urging President Biden to grant clemency to federal prisoners facing execution. Signing this petition is an immediate and powerful way for individuals to join this important call to action, sending a message to the President that the public supports preventing these executions from taking place.
The coalition’s efforts come at a critical time, with federal executions poised to resume if no action is taken. Although President Biden suspended federal executions shortly after taking office, there are still federal death sentences on the books, and the risk remains that executions could resume under a future administration. Advocacy groups are working tirelessly to prevent this, knowing that the opportunity to end the federal death penalty could slip away with a change in leadership.
Upcoming Advocacy Opportunities:
While national efforts to secure clemency for federal prisoners continue, local actions are also taking place to support death row inmates. In Tallahassee, Florida, local organizations like Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty (TCADP) and Kindred Spirits Charitable Trust are leading a holiday card campaign to bring hope to the 280 men and women currently on Florida’s Death Row. These cards often represent the only communication these individuals will receive during the holiday season, reminding them that they are not forgotten.
Additionally, Cities for Life events are being held around the world to commemorate the anniversary of the first abolition of capital punishment. In Florida, both Daytona Beach and Tallahassee will host events in the coming days, offering opportunities for local engagement and support.
Pressing Concerns: Upcoming Executions
The urgency surrounding clemency is amplified by the ongoing threat of upcoming executions. Advocates are fighting to stop the following executions in the coming weeks:
- Carey Grayson in Alabama: Set for November 30, 2024, at 6 p.m.
- Christopher Collins in Missouri: Scheduled for December 3, 2024, at 6 p.m.
- Joseph Corcoran in Indiana: Scheduled for December 18, 2024, marking the state’s first execution in 15 years.
- Kevin Underwood in Oklahoma: Scheduled for December 19, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Each of these cases presents an urgent need for advocacy and action. Through petitions, rallies, and public pressure, activists and lawmakers are pushing to halt these executions and prevent further loss of life under the death penalty.
Why This Matters:
The movement to end the death penalty is about more than just stopping executions; it is a call for justice reform, compassion, and recognition of the inherent flaws in the criminal justice system. The death penalty has disproportionately affected people of color, those with inadequate legal representation, and those who cannot afford to fight back against unjust convictions. Clemency offers a chance to right these wrongs, providing a pathway to redemption and healing.
As the clock ticks down on President Biden’s administration, now is the time to act. Whether through signing petitions, attending events, or advocating with lawmakers, every voice matters in the fight for justice. Join the call today, and help ensure that the final days of this administration leave a legacy of compassion and justice.
For more information on how you can get involved and make your voice heard, visit the FADP website and sign the petition. Together, we can help prevent further executions and move closer to a future without the death penalty.
| We need each other’s solidarity across the United States to succeed in abolition. Allies in the following states are fighting to stop the following executions. Click links below to support: |
| Cities for Life |
| Cities for Life events return this year across the world, celebrating the anniversary of the very first abolition of capital punishment over 200 years ago. Groups in Daytona Beach (Nov 30) and Tallahassee (Dec 3) are holding events this year. Click the links to access information about these events. |
| Events, News & Media |
| Watch Ingrid Delgado’s Spectacular Speech |
| FADP Board Co-Chair Ingrid Delgado made a powerful speech at Culture of Life, a conference for Catholic audiences exploring issues of human dignity, arguing for the importance of abolishing capital punishment. |
| Agustin Quiles Interviewed by PBS |
| FADP Board member Agustin Quiles was featured in VOCES: LATINO VOTE 2024, a PBS documentary, for his work with his organization, Mission Talk. As he speaks with regard to Latino reactions to immigration, he emphasizes values that resonate across all struggles for justice reform, including the one to end the death penalty. |
| Press Conference: Leaders Ask Biden to Take Action |
| See the video of yesterday’s official press conference on C-SPAN by clicking the link, below. |
| Upcoming Executions |
| Movember 21, 6pm. Carey Grayson, Alabama. Watch Death Penalty Action for updates and ways to be involved. December 3, 6pm. Christopher Collins, Missouri. Sign the petition and see advocacy resources here. December 18. Joseph Corcoran, Indiana. The first in 15 years for the state. Sign Indiana advocates’ petition here. December 19, 10am. Kevin Underwood, Oklahoma. Sign the petition, here. |