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Although Kansas has not carried out an execution since 1965, the state has had guidelines in place for the past decade on how to proceed when one is carried out. Former Secretary of Corrections Charles Simmons explained in the article why, for example, an execution would be carried out in Lansing while death sentences inmates are held in El Dorado. "The decision to house … [Read more...] about Topeka Capital-Journal outlines Kansas execution process

After learning about a surprise hearing in the case known as the “West Memphis Three,” Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelly, Jr., and Jason Baldwin were released from prison on Friday, August 19, 2011.  Misskelly and Baldwin were each serving life sentences while Echols was released from death row. The release was made possible by a rare legal maneuver known as an “Alford … [Read more...] about UPDATE: West Memphis Three Freed!

Last night, Kansas City’s Fox 4 News profiled two area exonerees and their struggle to put their lives back together after they served time in prison for crimes they did not commit. Eddie Lowery, of Kansas, who was wrongfully convicted of rape, served nearly 10 years before being paroled.  The truth about his innocence only came to light after he was released from … [Read more...] about Area Exonerees Discuss Life After Wrongful Imprisonment

In a March 11, 2011 editorial, the Wichita Eagle called for Kansas to rethink its death penalty in light of Illinois' recent abolition of capital punishment. The editorial cites the problems associated with Illinois' death penalty, including wrongful convictions and discriminatory treatment, as problems that could also exist in Kansas' death penalty system. In addition to … [Read more...] about Wichita Eagle: Rethink Death Penalty