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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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.
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Staff Attorney Opening
The Center for Death Penalty Litigation (CDPL) in Durham, North Carolina seeks to hire a new staff attorney to support its mission. 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 in North Carolina. A significant component […]
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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.
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!