American Civil Liberties Union : ACLU of Illinois Praises Governor's Courage in Suspending State Death Penalty System

Death Penalty:
The death penalty is the ultimate denial of civil liberties. In the past 35 years, 130 inmates were found to be innocent and released from death row. The ACLU Capital Punishment Project is fighting for the end of the death penalty by supporting moratorium and repeal movements through public education and advocacy. We are engaged in systemic reform of the death penalty process, and case-specific litigation highlighting some of its fundamental flaws.

ACLU of Illinois Praises Governor's Courage in Suspending State Death Penalty System (1/31/2000)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, IL--The American Civil Liberties Union is pleased by Governor Ryan's action today suspending application of the death penalty in Illinois. The sad and discredited capital punishment system in this state deserves not only a moratorium, but all-out abolition.

Today's action should be the first, tangible step towards that ultimate goal of ending sanctioned violence by the State of Illinois.

We also are gratified that the Governor has taken this courageous step at this time, so the death penalty issue is removed from the legislative arena in an election year. Rather than being driven by politics and the quest for votes, the analysis of how the death penalty system works -- or does not work -- in Illinois can be studied in a more careful, thoughtful and dispassionate manner.

Finally, it is clear that with today's action, the Governor has set a high standard for the reinstitution and reapplication of the death penalty system. This is important, because the people of Illinois have a right to know that the state will not put to death any innocent person.

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