Death Penalty

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The ACLU opposes capital punishment because it violates the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment, is administered arbitrarily and unfairly, and fails to deter crime or improve public safety.

The Latest

News & Commentary
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Pope Francis on Key ACLU Issues

Pope Francis was a clear and consistent voice on several issues the ACLU of Ohio champions.
News & Commentary
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At All Costs: AG Yost’s Justice-Blind Pursuit of Vengeance

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has been vocal in his support for resuming executions, without regard for the death penalty’s many flaws.
News & Commentary
Graphic of protest signs that read HB 72 is a trojan horse and Step the death penalty deception act

The Ohio Legislature's Misleading Approach to Death Penalty Repeal

You may have heard through the proverbial grapevine that a group of legislators is taking an unusual (not to mention unconstitutional!) approach to death penalty repeal legislation this General Assembly.
News & Commentary
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Today is World Day Against the Death Penalty. It’s time to end it in Ohio for good.

October 10 marks World Day Against the Death Penalty. This year, the annual observance day comes on the heels of five recent executions that were carried out in the span of a week.
Court Case
Sep 11, 2023

State v. Raglin (amicus)

In Hamilton County cases where the death penalty is sought, a black defendant with at least one white victim is 5.33 times more likely than other defendants to be sentenced to death. The ACLU of Ohio submitted an amicus brief in support of removing the sentence and a new trial for Mr. Raglin.
Court Case
Jan 02, 2013

LaMar v. Houk (amicus)

Court Case
May 16, 2012

State v. Maxwell White

Court Case
May 16, 2012

Skatzes v. Smith (amicus)