Massachusetts
Does my state have the death penalty?
No. There have been no executions in Massachussettes since 1947. Massachusetts came perilously close to reinstating the death penalty in 1997 when legislation failed on a tie vote. Since that time, new bills to reinstate the death penalty have been introduced in every legislative session.
What is my governor's position on the death penalty?
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) strongly favors the death penalty and the three strikes system.
How many people are on Death Row in my state?
N/A
Is there anything like the Center on Wrongful Convictions in my state?
More information is coming soon.
Was anyone on Death Row ever found innocent in my state?
Three people on Death Row have been exonerated. Lawyer Johnson was released in 1982 after serving 11 years, Peter Limone was released in 2001 after serving 33 year and Laurence Adams was released in 2004 after serving 30 years
Are there any opportunities for volunteering in my state?
ACLU of Massachusetts
Massachusetts Citizens Against the Death Penalty
Additional Resources
Massachusetts State Info at DPIC
Massachussettes Citizens Against the Death Penalty
* Information updated annually. Last updated January 2006. For more information, go to the Death Penalty Information Center.
News
The Headlines
July 15, 2005
A lot is happening on the death penalty front both in the US and across...
Romney's Death Penalty Bill On Firing Line
July 14, 2005
BOSTON -- When Gov. Mitt Romney pitches his so-called "gold standard" death penalty bill to...
Death Penalty News In Local Papers
May 18, 2005
With the upcoming death penalty trial in Vermont and Massachusettes Governor Romney's death penalty bill...
Death Penalty Advocates Needle Romney Over Bill
May 03, 2005
This Boston Herald article proves a rough road is ahead for Massachusettes Governor, Mitt Romey's...
Editorial: No Risk Death Penalty?
May 01, 2005
In response to Massachusetts' governor Romney's proposal, The Republican says this: The bill calls for...
Bring on the Bishops
March 20, 2005
U.S. Roman Catholic bishops are preparing to begin what they call a major campaign to...
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...
Will Massachusetts bring back the Death Penalty?
December 30, 2004
Area legislators are predicting Gov. Mitt Romney’s recently proposed death penalty bill will have an...
