The Center for Death Penalty Litigation is North Carolina’s premier nonprofit law firm representing people facing the death penalty and other extreme sentences. We expose and confront racism within the criminal punishment system. Through strategic litigation, education, training, and policy reform, we strive to create a more humane and equitable society. Sign up for our newsletters, connect with us on Linked In, and follow us on Instagram (@centerfordeathpenaltylit) to stay up to date on what’s happening!
What’s New
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One year of mercy: Remembering a historic act of clemency
On this day last year, Governor Roy Cooper made the largest grant of death row clemency in North Carolina’s history, commuting fifteen death sentences to life without the possibility of parole. With that decision, the governor set a powerful precedent and affirmed a fundamental truth: our state does not need to kill in order to do justice.
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A message from our new Executive Director
I wanted to be the first to share the news with you. Late last week, the CDPL Board of Directors named me Executive Director. It is an incredible honor to carry on CDPL’s legacy as a leader of capital defense work in North Carolina. As I see it, my job description is simple: I will do everything in my power to ensure that no person is ever again executed in North Carolina.
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NCAJ Awards CDPL with $15,000 Grant
A huge “thank you” to the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ) for awarding us a $15,000 grant from the NCAJ Foundation and the Allen Bailey Endowment this past Wednesday. NCAJ has been a longtime supporter of CDPL. In the 1980s, their association of trial lawyers, which was originally exclusively for plaintiff attorneys, expanded to […]
Support our Work
Help us provide the best possible representation to people facing execution and educate the public about the injustice and racist roots of the death penalty. Donate here. Or sign up here to get updates about our work.
Join the Movement
CDPL is a member of the NC Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. If you want to be a part of the grassroots movement to end the NC death penalty, please visit their website to learn and get involved.
Intern or Volunteer
Do you want to learn about capital defense while working alongside a dedicated staff? We will open applications for Fall 2026 externships early 2026!