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 email bulletins, 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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A person is more than their worst moment: CDPL’s leadership in mitigation investigation
CDPL frequently tells stories of our attorneys’ work on behalf of clients, but one aspect of our capital defense work often flies below the radar: Our deep commitment to mitigation. Summer intern Lichel Johnston spent time with CDPL’s two staff mitigation investigators to help explain this key aspect of preventing death sentences and executions in North Carolina.
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A Celebration of Justice: CDPL’s 2026 Osborn Event
We couldn’t have been more thrilled with our 2026 Osborn Event. Two hundred of our friends and supporters gathered in Durham to honor the incomparable Adam Stein with the Arc of Justice Award, to recognize the legacy of the Fair Trial Initiative, and to remember Kirk Osborn, a shining light of North Carolina’s capital defense community.
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Meet the new extern expanding CDPL’s reach
CDPL is excited to welcome our new legal fellow, Peris Munene, who will share her talents with us full-time for the next year. She is a recent graduate of University of Notre Dame Law School. While there, she worked with the school’s Exoneration Justice Clinic and interned with the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund. Her commitment to justice and equity made her a perfect fit.
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!