Justice

Portland Tribune: Kitzhaber: Repeal of death penalty is only one step

Monday, August 28, 2017 Former governor urges greater spending on alternatives to alleviate poverty and prevent crime; group launches 'million conversations'
Former Gov. John Kitzhaber is the most prominent voice against Oregon's death penalty, but he says repeal is a step toward a greater goal.

Justice

Many people feel that killing convicted murderers will satisfy their need for justice, revenge or retribution. They feel that certain crimes are so heinous that execution of the criminal is the only reasonable response.

The scales of justice show two cups balanced, symbolizing equal treatment under the law. The administration of the death penalty is anything but fair, balanced and equitable. The death penalty, as used in this country, is biased against the poor and people of color. Fairness is not always practiced when it comes to the death penalty.

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Common Questions

Does Oregon currently have the death penalty?

Capital punishment is legal in the U.S. state of Oregon. The first execution under the territorial government was in 1851. Capital punishment was made explicitly legal by statute in 1864, and executions have been carried out exclusively at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem since 1904. The death penalty was outlawed between 1914 and 1920, again between 1964 and 1978, and then again between a 1981 Oregon Supreme Court ruling and a 1984 ballot measure. Since 1904, about 60 individuals have been executed in Oregon. Aggravated murder is the only crime subject to the penalty of death under Oregon law.