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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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 […]
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We’re hiring! Open positions: Staff Attorney and Director of Finance and Administration
CDPL seeks to hire a Staff Attorney and a Director of Finance and Administration. Please see the individual job postings for more information about each position. About CDPL CDPL is a non-profit law firm and advocacy organization that works to provide the highest quality representation to people facing execution and to end the death penalty […]
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When We Let Them Live: Lenny Buchanan, His Faithful Defender, and the Fruits of Mercy
Lenny Buchanan was sentenced to death in 1989. Read about his journey to freedom and the advocate who stuck beside him along the way.
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!