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. Read more about our work and sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on what’s happening!
What’s New
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Join us for CDPL’s 2025 fundraiser and celebration
Please join CDPL and special guest speaker, widely acclaimed public interest lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 to honor Gretchen M. Engel, who has devoted her 33 year career to CDPL, capital defense, and the abolition of the death penalty. The event will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Durham’s 21c Museum Hotel.
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The End of an Era: Saying Farewell to Executive Director, Gretchen Engel
After 33 years at the Center for Death Penalty Litigation, a dozen of those as Executive Director, Gretchen Engel has retired. Gretchen will be deeply missed by her colleagues and clients alike, but we are overwhelmingly grateful for the opportunity to have learned under her leadership. Moreover, we are excited for the well-deserved rest that […]
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Cultivating Compassion Through Remembrance and the Arts
On Saturday, August 16, a few of us from CDPL gathered at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh to join NCCADP’s day of workshops, remembrance, and advocacy. There was an eclectic mix of people, ranging from individuals exonerated from death row, family members of people who have been executed, and those motivated by religious persuasion. […]
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? If you are a law student looking for a summer internship, learn more here. If you are interested in volunteering, apply here.