Death Penalty Repeal Act of 1853

Exactly 155 years ago yesterday, the state of Wisconsin executed John McCaffrey for the murder of his wife, Bridget McCaffrey. It was the last execution to be carried out on Wisconsin soil. The public hanging of McCaffrey proved to be the catalyst for a strong statewide movement to end capital punishment and just two years later, the Death Penalty Repeal Act was signed into law.

On November 7th, Wisconsinites will once again have to decide whether they want state-sanctioned killing to be carried out in their names. They will have to decide whether bringing back the death penalty will be a benefit or a burden for the people of Wisconsin.

This blog was created so that Wisconsinites are able to have an informed and in depth discussion about the death penalty. After reading all the facts and reviewing all the figures, we believe that Wisconsinites will reject the death penalty as a solution to crime and violence and that they will endeavor to find a more effective way of dealing with society's complex problems.

It is in this vein that we say, let the discussion begin...

posted by Sachin @ 2:26 PM