Supreme Court Justice urges end to death penalty

Republican Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul Pfeifer, who helped write the death penalty law three decades ago, is now calling for an end to capital punishment in Ohio. Justice Pfeifer's turnaround on the death penalty is a sobering reminder that Ohioans are not being well-served by a broken death penalty system. Justice Pfeifer is to be commended for having the courage to confront one of the most crucial and costly issues our state faces in the midst of a budget crisis. Kevin Werner, Executive Director of Ohioans to Stop Executions (OTSE) said, "I think Justice Pfeifer has really grappled with this issue over the past decade and has come to the same realization so many individuals do when taking a close look at Ohio's death penalty: it's time for a change because the system does not work." The death penalty costs Ohio taxpayers millions more each year than alternatives like life without parole. The death penalty drains needed resources from law enforcement agencies whose job is to keep communities safe. At a time when the state budget shortfall is $8 billion, Ohio cannot afford a costly system riddled with errors and inefficiencies. Please keep in your prayers those still on death row in Ohio prisons. For more information about Ohio and the death penalty, go to www.otse.org.