The Center for Death Penalty Litigation is a North Carolina 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. Sign up for our newsletters, connect with us on Linked In, and follow us on Instagram (@centerfordeathpenaltylit) to stay up to date on what’s happening!
What’s New
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Join us September 23 for CDPL’s Osborn Event
CDPL is thrilled to announce that this year’s J. Kirk Osborn Event will honor Adam Stein, a luminary of capital defense and civil rights litigation, and celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the creation of the Fair Trial Initiative, an innovative organization dedicated to training capital defenders and mitigation investigators whose legacy continues at CDPL. The Osborn event will be held Wednesday, September 23, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Rickhouse in Durham.
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CDPL is Hiring: Policy Director
CDPL seeks a Policy Director to lead and expand CDPL’s policy, advocacy, and public education efforts related to capital punishment, racial justice, and criminal legal system reform in North Carolina.
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Strengthening criminal defense through community: CDPL’s Interns of Color program
At CDPL, we believe a diverse criminal defense bar is key to providing excellent representation for our clients. However, given a legacy of racism in the criminal legal system, it takes commitment and creativity to build a multi-racial attorney pool. That’s why CDPL created the Interns of Color program. This summer, for the third year in a row, CDPL will host a series of special events to build community and offer support to interns of color at criminal defense and advocacy organizations in North Carolina.
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? We will open applications for Fall 2026 externships early 2026!