Jeff Kirchmeier
@kirchmeier.bsky.social
Law professor, CUNY Law School. Author of "Imprisoned by the Past: Warren McClesky, Race, and the American Death Penalty" about the history of capital punishment. Criminal law, social justice, etc. he/him.
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
239 years ago, on the 30th of November 1786, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany became the first modern state to abolish the death penalty. Grand Duke Leopold I, who was influenced in the decision by the book 'On Crimes and Punishments', would later become Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II. #otd #history 🗃️
November 30, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
This is one of many reasons I can never support the death penalty
NEW: Jimmie Duncan spent 27 years on death row, convicted in part based on evidence experts now consider to be junk science.
But even after the overturning of his murder conviction and his release on bail, Louisiana still wants to execute him.
By @richardawebster.bsky.social, w/ @veritenews.org
But even after the overturning of his murder conviction and his release on bail, Louisiana still wants to execute him.
By @richardawebster.bsky.social, w/ @veritenews.org
A Death Row Inmate Was Released on Bail After His Conviction Was Overturned. Louisiana Still Wants to Execute Him.
Months after a judge tossed out his 1998 murder conviction, Jimmie Duncan is free on bail. But prosecutors have asked the Louisiana Supreme Court to reinstate the death penalty for Duncan, even as the...
www.propublica.org
December 3, 2025 at 10:32 PM
This is one of many reasons I can never support the death penalty
South Carolina Man Is Executed By Firing Squad For 2004 Killings.
www.huffpost.com/entry/south-...
www.huffpost.com/entry/south-...
South Carolina Man Is Executed By Firing Squad For 2004 Killings
He is the seventh person put to death by South Carolina in 14 months after the state had a 13-year pause in executions when it couldn’t obtain lethal injection drugs.
www.huffpost.com
November 15, 2025 at 1:24 AM
South Carolina Man Is Executed By Firing Squad For 2004 Killings.
www.huffpost.com/entry/south-...
www.huffpost.com/entry/south-...
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
Eye-popping reporting from my better half on systemic misconduct in two Oklahoma death penalty cases. Despite that (and against the recommendation of the OK clemency board), the condemned in one case will be executed today. The state has vowed to re-try the other.
theintercept.com/2025/11/12/r...
theintercept.com/2025/11/12/r...
Judge Failed to Disclose Personal Ties to Prosecutor in Two Death Row Cases
Veteran prosecutor Fern Smith convicted both Tremane Wood and Richard Glossip. She calls a judge in both cases a friend.
theintercept.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Eye-popping reporting from my better half on systemic misconduct in two Oklahoma death penalty cases. Despite that (and against the recommendation of the OK clemency board), the condemned in one case will be executed today. The state has vowed to re-try the other.
theintercept.com/2025/11/12/r...
theintercept.com/2025/11/12/r...
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
Veterans are overrepresented on death row across the United States. The Death Penalty Information Center's new report explores the cases of veterans sentenced to death and the injustices they face in the criminal legal system.
Forgotten Service, Lasting Wounds: Military Veterans and the Death Penalty | Death Penalty Information Center
**Executive Summary** - Though the Supreme Court has recognized the importance of military service in capital mitigation, the legal...
deathpenaltyinfo.org
November 11, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Veterans are overrepresented on death row across the United States. The Death Penalty Information Center's new report explores the cases of veterans sentenced to death and the injustices they face in the criminal legal system.
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
Last year the UN member states voted on a moratorium to end the death penalty. The green countries want to abolish the death penalty, the red countries want to keep it. Russia voting against the death penalty is a teeny bit funny. HT @maroni_editor
November 12, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Last year the UN member states voted on a moratorium to end the death penalty. The green countries want to abolish the death penalty, the red countries want to keep it. Russia voting against the death penalty is a teeny bit funny. HT @maroni_editor
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
Yesterday: "The death penalty is extremely fiscally irresponsible. It costs more to sentence someone to death and execute them than to sentence them to life in prison without parole. It’s also an ineffective deterrent to violent crime."
Pro-Life, Anti-Death Penalty
Nan Tolson is the face of the conservative movement against capital punishment in Texas.
www.texasobserver.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Yesterday: "The death penalty is extremely fiscally irresponsible. It costs more to sentence someone to death and execute them than to sentence them to life in prison without parole. It’s also an ineffective deterrent to violent crime."
Tremane Wood Receives Last-Minute Clemency, Sparing Him From Execution.
www.huffpost.com/entry/treman...
www.huffpost.com/entry/treman...
Tremane Wood Spared From Execution In Shocking Decision
His case marks only the second time Gov. Kevin Stitt has commuted a death sentence since entering office in 2019.
www.huffpost.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Tremane Wood Receives Last-Minute Clemency, Sparing Him From Execution.
www.huffpost.com/entry/treman...
www.huffpost.com/entry/treman...
Sotomayor says GOP-appointed Supreme Court wing ‘abandons its duty’ in death penalty case. www.msnbc.com/deadline-whi...
Sotomayor says GOP-appointed Supreme Court wing ‘abandons its duty’ in death penalty case
The Democratic appointees dissented from the majority’s refusal to halt the execution of Charles Crawford, who, they said, raised an important issue.
www.msnbc.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Sotomayor says GOP-appointed Supreme Court wing ‘abandons its duty’ in death penalty case. www.msnbc.com/deadline-whi...
Anti-death penalty protesters walk 30 miles across Missouri after governor denies man clemency. www.ky3.com/2025/10/13/a...
Anti-death penalty protesters walk 30 miles across Missouri after governor denies man clemency
A group is walking across Central Missouri to send a message about the death penalty.
www.ky3.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Anti-death penalty protesters walk 30 miles across Missouri after governor denies man clemency. www.ky3.com/2025/10/13/a...
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
Despite everything else going on, France last night honoured Robert Badinter, the former justice minister who ended the death penalty in 🇫🇷 in 1981. He entered the Panthéon in a moving moment of national tribute that the French do so well
October 10, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Despite everything else going on, France last night honoured Robert Badinter, the former justice minister who ended the death penalty in 🇫🇷 in 1981. He entered the Panthéon in a moving moment of national tribute that the French do so well
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
Racism is embedded in the death penalty.
This World Against the Death Penalty Day and every other day of the year, we’re calling on our elected officials to work toward an end to capital punishment once and for all.
This World Against the Death Penalty Day and every other day of the year, we’re calling on our elected officials to work toward an end to capital punishment once and for all.
October 10, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Racism is embedded in the death penalty.
This World Against the Death Penalty Day and every other day of the year, we’re calling on our elected officials to work toward an end to capital punishment once and for all.
This World Against the Death Penalty Day and every other day of the year, we’re calling on our elected officials to work toward an end to capital punishment once and for all.
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
We must end the death penalty, once and for all.
On this World Day Against the Death Penalty, add your name to the growing number of people calling for an end to capital punishment.
On this World Day Against the Death Penalty, add your name to the growing number of people calling for an end to capital punishment.
Abolish The Death Penalty Now
Capital punishment is a moral stain on our nation: Add your name to the growing calls to abolish the death penalty now.
action.aclu.org
October 10, 2025 at 1:19 PM
We must end the death penalty, once and for all.
On this World Day Against the Death Penalty, add your name to the growing number of people calling for an end to capital punishment.
On this World Day Against the Death Penalty, add your name to the growing number of people calling for an end to capital punishment.
Missouri man who maintains innocence set to be executed for killing state trooper. www.nbcchicago.com/news/nationa...
Missouri man who maintains innocence set to be executed for killing state trooper
Lance Shockley was condemned for killing Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham Jr. in March 2005.
www.nbcchicago.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Missouri man who maintains innocence set to be executed for killing state trooper. www.nbcchicago.com/news/nationa...
Pam Bondi Transfers People Who Received Biden Commutations To Supermax Prison.
www.huffpost.com/entry/pam-bo...
www.huffpost.com/entry/pam-bo...
Pam Bondi Transfers People Who Received Biden Commutations To Supermax Prison
The ACLU previously contested such transfers and raised concerns about the prison's conditions.
www.huffpost.com
September 26, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Pam Bondi Transfers People Who Received Biden Commutations To Supermax Prison.
www.huffpost.com/entry/pam-bo...
www.huffpost.com/entry/pam-bo...
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
Our statement on Trump's most recent Executive Order, promoting the death penalty in DC.
September 25, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Our statement on Trump's most recent Executive Order, promoting the death penalty in DC.
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
Trump signs an EO directing Bondi and Pirro to reinstate the death penalty in Washington DC
September 25, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Trump signs an EO directing Bondi and Pirro to reinstate the death penalty in Washington DC
NC crime bill goes to Gov. Stein’s desk with changes to bail and death penalty laws.
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
NC crime bill goes to Gov. Stein’s desk with changes to bail and death penalty laws
The wide-ranging bill would open the door to restarting executions in North Carolina after ongoing legal challenges are resolved.
www.newsobserver.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:36 AM
NC crime bill goes to Gov. Stein’s desk with changes to bail and death penalty laws.
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
www.newsobserver.com/news/politic...
Democrats Go After Law Firms Doing Free Work For Trump, Warn Of Law-Breaking.
www.huffpost.com/entry/democr...
www.huffpost.com/entry/democr...
Democrats Send A Warning To Law Firms That Cut A Deal With Trump
They may not get far in their demands for details, but key Democrats are laying the groundwork for full-blown investigations when they’re back in the majority.
www.huffpost.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Democrats Go After Law Firms Doing Free Work For Trump, Warn Of Law-Breaking.
www.huffpost.com/entry/democr...
www.huffpost.com/entry/democr...
"The Indiana Capital Chronicle recently sued the Dept of Correction for public records, learning the state paid more than a million dollars to purchase enough drugs for four lethal injections. Two doses expired before they could be used." #deathpenalty www.themarshallproject.org/2025/09/13/t...
30 People Have Been Executed in The U.S. This Year. Is Trump Behind This Surge?
States have executed 30 people this year — already the highest annual total in more than a decade.
www.themarshallproject.org
September 15, 2025 at 4:16 PM
"The Indiana Capital Chronicle recently sued the Dept of Correction for public records, learning the state paid more than a million dollars to purchase enough drugs for four lethal injections. Two doses expired before they could be used." #deathpenalty www.themarshallproject.org/2025/09/13/t...
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
I wrote for the KC Star (@kansascity.com) about the inability of civilians to sue federal agents for civil rights violations & the need for Congress to codify Bivens as the President escalates his campaign to deploy federalized military personnel to some of America’s large cities.
If Trump sends the National Guard to KC, Missourians’ rights are at risk | Opinion
Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt say they care about personal liberties. They need to step in to protect their constituents. | Opinion
www.kansascity.com
September 8, 2025 at 12:08 PM
I wrote for the KC Star (@kansascity.com) about the inability of civilians to sue federal agents for civil rights violations & the need for Congress to codify Bivens as the President escalates his campaign to deploy federalized military personnel to some of America’s large cities.
It's hard to keep up with troubling events and it is easy to miss things in the news cycle. But this week's U.S. Supreme Court decision in Noem v. Vasquez about ICE stopping people in California has potential broad troubling implications. A few initial thoughts. 🧵
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September 10, 2025 at 7:25 PM
It's hard to keep up with troubling events and it is easy to miss things in the news cycle. But this week's U.S. Supreme Court decision in Noem v. Vasquez about ICE stopping people in California has potential broad troubling implications. A few initial thoughts. 🧵
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Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
Bestselling author and Innocence Project Board Member John Grisham is telling the story of Robert Roberson—an innocent man Texas plans to execute on Oct. 16. Time is running out. www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2...
Why author John Grisham is chronicling the life of Robert Roberson in ‘SHAKEN’
The book will chronicle the story of Robert Roberson III, an East Texas man at the center of a controversial “shaken baby syndrome” case, who, for the third...
www.dallasnews.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Bestselling author and Innocence Project Board Member John Grisham is telling the story of Robert Roberson—an innocent man Texas plans to execute on Oct. 16. Time is running out. www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2...
Reposted by Jeff Kirchmeier
Yet another example of why I oppose the death penalty.
"...a "key witness" in Hooper's trial, allegedly confessed to the murder in July, Hooper's attorney said."
abcnews.go.com/US/man-freed...
"...a "key witness" in Hooper's trial, allegedly confessed to the murder in July, Hooper's attorney said."
abcnews.go.com/US/man-freed...
Man freed from prison after 27 years for a crime he didn't commit, his attorney says
A man who was wrongfully convicted of murder back in 1998 was released from prison after a key witness in the investigation confessed to the crime, officials said.
abcnews.go.com
September 7, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Yet another example of why I oppose the death penalty.
"...a "key witness" in Hooper's trial, allegedly confessed to the murder in July, Hooper's attorney said."
abcnews.go.com/US/man-freed...
"...a "key witness" in Hooper's trial, allegedly confessed to the murder in July, Hooper's attorney said."
abcnews.go.com/US/man-freed...