The Center for Death Penalty Litigation is North Carolina’s premier nonprofit law firm representing people facing the death penalty and other extreme sentences. We expose and confront racism within the criminal punishment system. Through strategic litigation, education, training, and policy reform, we strive to create a more humane and equitable society. Read more about our work.
What’s New
On Veterans Day, remember those sent to death row after serving their country
As we celebrate Veterans Day, we want to remind you that veterans make up about 10 percent of death row prisoners in the United States. In North Carolina, 15 percent of the 136 people on death row served in the military. In many cases, the legal system failed to give meaningful consideration to their service, despite research showing that overwhelming numbers of veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress.
‘The way we treat people who have caused great harm is a deeply moral issue’: A Q&A with CDPL staff attorney Kailey Morgan
As Bryan Stevenson says, we’re all more than the worst thing we’ve ever done, and if that is true, then we have to treat all people with dignity and respect no matter what they’ve done. We have to treat them with empathy and compassion. The death penalty is the exact opposite of that.
Watch CDPL’s 2024 Osborn & Racial Justice Awards
On Sept. 12, we celebrated Jay Ferguson, winner of CDPL’s Osborn Award, and Judge Gregory Weeks, winner of the first Racial Justice Award. Relive the night with photos and video and see a list of our sponsors.
Support our Work
Help us provide the best possible representation to people facing execution and educate the public about the injustice and racist roots of the death penalty. Donate here. Or sign up here to get updates about our work.
Join the Movement
CDPL is a member of the NC Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. If you want to be a part of the grassroots movement to end the NC death penalty, please visit their website to learn and get involved.
Intern or Volunteer
Do you want to learn about capital defense while working alongside a dedicated staff? If you are a law student looking for a summer internship, learn more here. If you are interested in volunteering, apply here.