The US ranks #5 in global executions

By Kirsten Bokenkamp Senior Communications Strategist According to Amnesty International, in 2011 the United States, once again, made it on the list of the top five executing countries…in the world.  We should be ashamed with the company we keep:  others on the list are China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Iraq. Our country is the only member of the G-8 group of developed nations to use the death penalty last year.  Shouldn’t that tell us something?  In large part, our country receives this ranking because of Texas.  In 2011 our state was responsible for 30% of all US executions. The good news is that the tide is turning.  Both death sentences and executions are down – even in Texas.  For example, death sentences in Texas have dropped more than 70% since 2003, and 2011 was a historically low year for executions in Texas.   Richard Dieter with the Death Penalty Information Center says that by all measures, the death penalty is on the defensive. Let’s work to keep it that way. To learn more about the death penalty in Texas, visit www.criminaljusticetx.org.  Help us fight for the abolition of the death penalty in Texas.  Click here to send a letter to your legislator.  Even though we are between legislative sessions, offices are staffed, and it is still their job to listen to constituents.  Let them know you are out there, paying attention, and demanding an end to this inhumane practice!