Minnesota
Does my state have the death penalty?
No. Minnesota banned the death penalty in 1911.
What is my governor's position on the death penalty?
Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) supports the death penalty. In January 2004, he recommended reinstating the death penalty through a constitutional amendment. However, in his proposal, DNA evidence must link the defendant to the crime in order for the death penalty to be a sentencing option. The stipulation would make Minnesota the first state in the nation to require such a high threshold of evidence.
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?
N/A
Are there any opportunities for volunteering in my state?
Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights Death Penalty Project
Additional Resources
Minnesota State Info at DPIC
* Information updated annually. Last updated January 2006. For more information, go to the Death Penalty Information Center.
News
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...
