Good news!

We are pleased to report some good news about the death penalty

July 2023

It is not often we get to report good news about this topic but two countries, Ghana and USA provide a small piece of light to give encouragement. Usually, we are posting to send sad news about the death penalty but – for once at least – we have some good news to share.

First, and foremost, last night the death penalty was abolished in Ghana.  170 men and 6 women on death row will have their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

In the US, there are signs of hope:

• In Texas the Jury has sentenced Ronald Anthony Burgos, a former Border Patrol Agent convicted of a double murder, to life imprisonment rather than the death penalty.  Texas is the State that over the years has imposed the highest number of death sentences, but the numbers are declining – suggesting a change in attitude to its use may be taking place

• In Florida a Circuit Judge has ruled the new law allowing a majority rather than a unanimous vote for the death penalty cannot be applied retroactively.