Louisiana
Does my state have the death penalty?
Yes, Louisiana has executed a total of 27 people since 1976.
What is my governor's position on the death penalty?
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco (D) supports the death penalty but has stated that she would consider a moratorium if statistics indicated problems.
How many people are on Death Row in my state?
There are currently 86 prisoners on Death Row in Louisiana. Of the 86 Death Row prisoners, 54 are black, 29 are white, 2 are Latino, and 1 is Asian. Of these 86 Death Row prinsoners, one is a woman.
Is there anything like the Center on Wrongful Convictions in my state?
Innocence Project New Orleans
Emily Bolton
636 Baronne St.
New Orleans, LA 70113
Was anyone on Death Row ever found innocent in my state?
Eight innocent people were exonerated on Death Row in Louisiana since 1976. Johnny Ross was released in 1981 after serving 6 years, Curtis Kyles in 1998 after serving 14 years, Shareef Cousin in 1999 after serving 3 years, Michael Graham in 2000 after serving 13 years, Albert Burrell in 2000 after serving 13 years, John Thompson in 2003 after serving 18 years, Dan L. Bright in 2004 after serving 8 years, and Ryan Matthews in 2004 after serving 5 years.
Are there any opportunities for volunteering in my state?
ACLU of Louisiana
Additional Resources
Louisiana State Info at DPIC
Louisiana State Info at Equal Jusitce USA
* Information updated annually. Last updated January 2006. For more information, go to the Death Penalty Information Center.
News
Storm Leaves Legal System a Shambles
September 09, 2005
Personally, I've been wondering about what is happening with the convicted felons in Louisiana in...
The Justice Center in New Orleans
September 06, 2005
For 12 years the Justice Center in New Orleans campaigned for poor inmates facing the...
Deadline April Screenings
March 23, 2005
It's been a while since I've posted Deadline Screenings. After more then a year since...
Bring on the Bishops
March 20, 2005
U.S. Roman Catholic bishops are preparing to begin what they call a major campaign to...
Another Exonerated
March 12, 2005
Michael Anthony Williams, sixteen years old when he was arrested and convicted, walked out of...
US 'Whittling Away at Death Penalty'
March 03, 2005
From the BBC: Legal experts say that the US Supreme Court's decision to prevent youths...
Democracy Now Segment About The Death Penalty
March 02, 2005
Today you can see a segment of Democracy Now with Amy Goodman about the landmark...
Supreme Court Bars Death Penalty for Juvenile Killers
March 01, 2005
In a huge move, The Supreme Court forbid the execution of minors (under 17) at...
Study Finds Innocence Issue Leads to Lower Death Penalty Support
February 22, 2005
Makes sense to me. Three-quarters of Americans believe that an innocent person has been executed...
Bush Calls for Death Penalty Lawyer Training
February 04, 2005
I realize this is a slow response to the State of the Union, (two days...
Court TV Runs 'The Exonerated'
January 23, 2005
Airing: 9 p.m. Thursday, Court TV "At the end of the play, we would sometimes...
Jury verdict to free prison journalist
January 16, 2005
After 44 years in one of America's toughest prisons, renowned prison journalist Wilbert Rideau is...
Trial for Prison Journalist Continues
January 14, 2005
A case of rehabilitation. Wilbert Rideau who is on trial for the fourth time --for...
With Little Evidence, 4th Trial Opens in '61 Killing
January 11, 2005
Wilbert Rideau has spent the last 44 years on death row in Louisiana. Now, for...
Louisiana's Death Row
December 08, 2004
During the past five years, twice as many condemned inmates have walked free from Louisiana's...
Finding Legal Affairs
November 14, 2004
Two interesting articles on the Legal Affairs website. First, The Tinderbox written by Donald Cabana,...
More on Developmental Disabilities and the Death Penalty
September 29, 2004
An Arkansas man, Rickey Dale Newman was scheduled for execution last night. His death was...
Dead Man Walking In High Schools and College
September 28, 2004
Tim Robbins has adapted his award-winning film based on the book by Sister Helen Prejean,...
Project for Older Prisoners
September 24, 2004
George Washington University Law students work within the criminal process, particularly the prison and...
