Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty

Death Penalty Facts

Justice: Does Killing Convicted Murderers Provide Victims with Justice, Revenge or Retribution?

Innocence and Mistakes: Have we had mistakes in Oregon?

Murder Victim Families Against the Death Penalty

Deterrence: Does the Death Penalty Prevent More Murders?

What is the cost of the death penalty in Oregon?

OADP Death Penalty Facts - Religion and the Bible

Alternatives to the Death Penalty in Oregon

13 Reasons to Oppose the Death Penalty in Oregon

News & Press

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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.

The Conversation

Three former Oregon State officials discuss their roles in the execution of two inmates, and share their feelings about the execution process and the use of the death penalty.

The Conversation from Now Video on Vimeo.

In the Executioner's Shadow

Million Conversations

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.

Is there anyone currently on death row in Oregon?

Thirty-four people are currently on Oregon's death row.

What is the method of execution in Oregon?

The current method of execution in Oregon is lethal injection.

Mission Statement

The mission of Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (OADP) is to repeal the death penalty in Oregon as an essential step toward a more cost-effective, humane and restorative response to violent crime, and thus toward safer, more peaceful and just communities.