Update from the
Justice and Rights Council
10/24/06

We are happy to announce the Sisters and Assocates' overwhelming support for the following statement about the death penalty :

"As Racine Dominicans, we believe that all life is sacred and created by God; therefore, we see all human life as significant and valuable.  When governments implement the death penalty, the life of the convicted person is devalued; the possibility of change is eliminated if that person's life ends.  The gift of reconciliation must be offered to all individuals without exception.  For this reason, we oppose the death penalty and urge its elimination from all criminal codes."     (Adapted from Methodist Church statement)

Supportive facts:
(Taken from Amnesty International Fact Sheet)

1. The death penalty defies international human rights standards.

2. Data supports the death penalty as racially-biased.

3. The death penalty claims innocent lives (at least 23 executed persons later found to be innocent).

4. Surveys show the death penalty is no deterrent to crime; homicide rate is lower in states without
     the death penalty.

5. The death penalty is more costly than alternative sentences, including life in prison.

6. The death penalty disregards mental illness.

7. The death penalty is arbitrary and unfair - 95% cannot afford own lawyer; 80% of all executions take
     place in the South.     
 

Wisconsin Catholic Conference
The death penalty is a moral issue facing the people of Wisconsin. To read the Wisconsin Catholic Conference's issue brief about the death penalty click here.

DVD Available
A presentation on the death penalty as a moral issue was given at Siena Center on September 6. DVD and video cassettes of the presentation are available in the Siena Center library. To borrow, call 262-639-4100 and ask to speak to the librarian.