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.
What’s New
What I learned in 15 years working to end the death penalty
In my nearly 15 years of working in death penalty communications, my goal was always to change other people’s hearts and minds. With the stories I told, I aimed to shape policies and public opinion — to help create a society that no longer sentences people to execution. Now, as I prepare to leave my job at the Center for Death Penalty Litigation, it’s difficult to measure how much success I had in those areas. In the end, there is only one outcome I feel truly certain about: This work transformed my heart and mind.
‘Beyond words’: CDPL’s Shelagh Kenney on telling four death row clients they received clemency
Shelagh Kenney is CDPL’s deputy director. She has been a capital defense attorney since 2001 and represents eleven people on North Carolina’s death row. That number is significantly smaller than it was just a couple months ago. On Dec. 31, Gov. Cooper granted clemency to 15 people on death row, commuting their sentences to life without parole. Eleven of those were CDPL clients and four of them were represented by Shelagh, along with co-counsel. We talked with Shelagh about what Gov. Cooper’s action meant for her clients and for the future of the death penalty.
Another racial justice victory — and what it means for our work to end the death penalty
Our client Hasson Bacote became the fifth person to prove that his death sentence was poisoned by racism. The ruling didn’t affect Mr. Bacote’s sentence because he had already received a commutation to life without parole from Gov. Cooper. Nevertheless, this ruling carries great significance in our work to end the death penalty.
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.