Who we are:
We are criminal justice activists joined in a concerted effort to increase the effectiveness of Oregon's response to violent interpersonal crime. Our members include victims' survivors, attorneys, religious leaders, teachers and other concerned citizens.
Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (OADP) evolved out of the Oregon Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, which was organized in 1983. OADP is incorporated in the State of Oregon as a non-profit organization with the purpose of research and education on the effectiveness of the death penalty and its alternatives. We have 501(c)3 status.
We have an Education and Outreach Committee and a Correspondents Committee. We maintain a list of relevant educational materials, support research, provide speakers, find people to correspond with and visit prisoners on death row, and sponsor events with the aim of raising public awareness.
Our Goals:
OADP works towards repeal of the death penalty
OADP supports life sentence alternatives in response to aggravated murder as effective and sufficient punishment
OADP promotes research, education and discussion of issues relating to the death penalty
OADP works to promote principles of restorative justice for all those affected by murder, including victims' family members, prisoners and prisoners' families.
We oppose the Death Penalty because:
It encourages the idea that violence is an appropriate solution to social problems
It has, and will continue to result in the execution of innocent people
It is not an effective deterrent to murder
It is applied arbitrarily and disproportionately against the poor and minorities
It diverts resources from effective criminal justice policy