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Illinois to Ban Death Penalty

Gov. Quinn expected to sign repeal bill today

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 9, 2011 6:28 AM CST

(Newser) – Capital punishment is facing its end in Illinois and a last-minute reprieve from the governor is highly unlikely. Pat Quinn is expected to sign legislation today abolishing the death penalty in the state, and abolition supporters have been invited to a private bill-signing ceremony, reports the Chicago Tribune. "They point-blank told me they were signing the bill" today, said the bill's sponsoring representative. The bill passed the state legislature in early January.

More death row inmates have been exonerated than executed since Illinois re-imposed the death penalty in 1977. Then-Gov. George Ryan imposed a moratorium on executions in 1999, citing a Tribune investigation that exposed massive flaws in the system. If Quinn signs the repeal bill as expected, it's not clear what will happen to the 15 inmates currently on death row in the state.

A demonstrator holds an anti-death penalty sign as Sister Helen Prejean, author of 'Dead Man Walking,' speaks at a Chicago rally against the death penalty.
A demonstrator holds an anti-death penalty sign as Sister Helen Prejean, author of 'Dead Man Walking,' speaks at a Chicago rally against the death penalty.   (Getty Images)
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For Illinois, I think we’ll be on the right side of history. - State Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood)

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 15 comments
vendetta
Mar 10, 2011 7:19 AM CST
The power to kill its citizens is too much power for the state.
SPHeroid
Mar 9, 2011 9:33 PM CST
I've always had a problem with States that have clear laws about "First Degree Intentional Murder" being a crime... Yet theses same States commit "First Degree Intentional Murder"...Go Figure...
Just_Dave
Mar 9, 2011 2:51 PM CST
Outstanding news! I used to be a proponent of the death penalty but after moving to the South I saw the obvious racism and manipulation of the poor and especially African Americans. We know for sure we have murdered many innocents in the name of Capital Punishment and I am thrilled to hear that Illinois will no longer allow that possibility. Capital Punishment does not deter crime. While I am the first to agree there are many people who do not need to be in society Capital Punishment is not the answer. We can lock them up. At least 138 people have been set from from Death Row since 1973. www.google.com http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/09/us-usa-deathpenalty-fact-idUSTRE72867U20110309 http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/innocence-list-those-freed-death-row Capital Punishment cannot be reversed once it is executed. Stop Capital Punishment.

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