In the first part of this series, we looked at how the law defines capital murder and initial decisions by the prosecutor on charging and the question of death notice. Those are just the first of a series of decision points in Kansas capital cases. Decision point 2: go to trial or plea bargain? In this pre trial phase, both prosecution and defense are … [Read more...] about The Landscape of the Kansas Death Penalty at 31–Part Two
The Landscape of the Kansas Death Penalty at 31–Part One
On July 1st, the Kansas death penalty turned 31 years old. KCADP board members have encountered persons who don’t even know Kansas HAS a death penalty. We hope this article might bring a broader awareness of where capital punishment has been/is being sought in our state. What is capital murder? Under the law, capital murder is defined as intentional … [Read more...] about The Landscape of the Kansas Death Penalty at 31–Part One
Judge Klapper cites critical flaws with Kansas’ death penalty
The Kansas death penalty has been ‘on trial’ before Judge Bill Klapper in Wyandotte District Court since late October 2024. The State Board of Indigent Defense Services, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Kansas ACLU, and attorneys from Hogan Lovells, and Ali & Lockwood filed a constitutional challenge on behalf of two men who were charged with capital murder in … [Read more...] about Judge Klapper cites critical flaws with Kansas’ death penalty
2025 Death Penalty Repeal Legislation Introduced!
HB 2272, by Representatives Schreiber, Ballard, Carmichael, Osman, Sutton and Wasinger, was introduced on February 5th. It has been referred to House Judiciary. SB 245 was introduced through Senate Judiciary Committee. It has been referred to Senate Judiciary Committee. Both bills would end the death penalty for aggravated murders happening on or after July 1, 2025. … [Read more...] about 2025 Death Penalty Repeal Legislation Introduced!
KCADP Nominee Slate Announced
At the annual meeting on November 16th in Lawrence, there will be election of officers and board members for terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Terms are two years in length unless otherwise noted. The nominees are Officers: Vice Chair: Al Terwelp Secretary: Willmar Harder (1 year) Treasurer: Robert Sanders Board of Directors: Kelson Bohnet Celeste Dixon Bria … [Read more...] about KCADP Nominee Slate Announced