So who opposes the death penalty? The people who oppose the death penalty are Republicans and Democrats, Baptists and Jews, poor and rich, black and white. Although we may not agree with each other on the morality of the death penalty, we cannot ignore the realities of the death penalty:

• Innocent people are convicted and sent to their death

• Blatant racial and geographical disparities exist

• The death penalty is more expensive than life without parole

• Capital punishment does not deter crime

• Many murder victim family members oppose the death penalty

• By continuing to execute people, we keep company with countries like Iran, Iraq and China

If Arkansas is going to put people to death -- and that means if WE are going to put people to death, because WE are Arkansas -- shouldn't the system be as good as it can possibly be?

Capital punishment is an ineffective deterrent to murder, it’s too costly, and has insufficient protections against wrongful executions. If we eliminate the death penalty for capital murder, then the judge will have to impose a sentence of life without parole upon conviction. Though we share different perspectives on the death penalty, every one of us agrees that Arkansas’ capital punishment system doesn’t work, and that Arkansas is better off without it.

ACTION NEEDED TODAY!!

Although Arkansas hasn't executed anyone in over five years, that could change at any moment. Please contact Governor Mike Beebe and ask that he officially stop any future executions in Arkansas until a thorough review has been done of the Arkansas criminal justice system.

To contact the Governor, please write to Governor Mike Beebe, State Capitol, Room 250, Little Rock, AR 72201 or click here to send him an email.