The Southern Center for Human Rights represents individuals on death row at trial, on appeal, and in the post-conviction review process.  In doing so, we all too often discover that a person who had been sentenced to death has a history of extraordinarily serious abuse or neglect which was never presented to the judge or jury. Some of our clients on death row were never competent to stand trial, and were prosecuted and convicted without consideration of their mental disabilities. In investigating an individual client’s case, we often unveil evidence that prosecutors abused their power, or that trial attorneys were unable to provide a meaningful defense. Litigation by SCHR on behalf of our clients include claims of ineffectiveness assistance of counsel, failure to present mitigation evidence, and competency.

SCHR is also vigilant in defending against politicians' attempts to increase the use of the death penalty even as the public's skepticism grows about its use.  We are fighting, for example, repeated attempts by Georgia legislators to allow a sentence to death be imposed in instances where the jury does not reach consensus to impose such a sentence. SCHR also provides trainings and otherwise acts as a resource to lawyers and law firms with death row clients, and has served as a training ground for death penalty attorneys nationwide.

To view a summary of US Supreme Court Death Penalty cases since 1970, click here.

Resources:

For books about the Death Penalty, click here.

For films about the Death Penalty, click here.

For links to other organizations working to abolish the Death Penalty, click here.

For general articles and resources written and assembled by SCHR staff, click here.