The cost–benefit analysis of mercy in capital punishment
The political calculus can be unforgiving: show mercy and risk criticism; refuse and face little political consequence.
Criminal Justice Reform
Faith leaders, family to march on State Capitol urging clemency for Sonny Burton
Faith leaders and Burton’s family will march to the Capitol Monday urging Governor Kay Ivey to grant clemency before the March 12 execution.
March 6, 2026
Opinion
Opinion
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See recent postsAn old shepherd’s battle for children, conscience and mercy
I witnessed and experienced the glory and the power of the Lord as it melted hearts and changed minds with truth and grace.
Advocates stress fairness in halted execution of mentally ill Alabama inmate Roberts
Advocates urge integrity in psychiatric evaluations after Alabama halts David Lee Roberts’ execution, citing severe mental illness concerns.
August 21, 2025
Rep. Jim Hill introduces Speedy Trial Act in attempt to fix court backlogs
Hill says Alabama needs visiting judges to address court backlogs and protect Alabamians’ constitutional right to a speedy trial.
Birmingham, Jefferson County launch data-driven violence reduction initiative
The Birmingham-Jefferson County Justice Governance Partnership aims to reduce violence through evidence-based strategies.
ACLU of Alabama releases 2025 Legislative Agenda
The ACLU of Alabama’s 2025 priorities include criminal justice reform, voting rights, reproductive justice and protecting First Amendment freedoms.
Families call prisons “drug-infested slums” in annual public hearing, demand reform
Sen. Vivian Figures said state legislators “need to spend some time in these prisons ... without any protection.”
England continues to push for criminal justice legislation
His new bill would allow those sentenced to death under judicial override to be resentenced.
State Rep. England brings back “second chance bill”
The bill made it all the way through a Senate committee in its prior session but failed to reach the Senate floor.