To: Governor Kate Brown
Moratorium on Executions; Commission to Study Oregon's Death Penalty System
Please appoint a commission on capital punishment to study Oregon's death penalty system and recommend a more effective, affordable and humane response to the crime of aggravated murder. Until the commission makes its recommendations, please declare a moratorium on all executions, including the upcoming execution of Gary Haugen.
Why is this important?
Oregon's system of capital punishment is broken! We spend many millions pursuing death sentences, but only execute a few who surrender their appeals. We promise justice for victims, but then postpone it indefinitely. Our tax dollars, wasted on the death penalty, could go for schools or health care or effective crime-prevention programs. We call on Gov. Kitzhaber to suspend further executions and appoint a commission to recommend capital justice system reforms--reforms that will keep us safe, hold violent criminals accountable, make justice swift and affordable, and reflect the values of Oregonians.