Alabama sets June execution date for Jeffery Lee
Convicted of two counts of capital murder, Lee was sentenced to death after a judge overrode a jury's sentencing recommendation
death penalty
Alabama reacts to governor sparing death row inmate Sonny Burton
Governor Kay Ivey spared Charles “Sonny” Burton from execution on Tuesday, arguing the injustice of executing a non-triggerman while the shooter served life.
Activists call on governor to spare Sonny Burton from execution
More than 60,000 signatures were delivered, urging clemency for the inmate who sits on death row because of a crime he did not commit.
Opinion
Opinion
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See recent postsThe 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.
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
Alabama governor signs law allowing death penalty for child predators
The Child Predator Death Penalty Act, a major priority for conservative leaders, has the potential to shift broader legal precedents regarding executions.
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Opinion
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See recent postsWho are we killing Sonny Burton for?
Alabama scheduled the nitrogen hypoxia execution of 75-year-old Sonny Burton, though jurors and the victim’s daughter urged the state for mercy.
Alabama Senate passes bill to allow death penalty for child predators
The legislation allows capital punishment for sexual crimes against children under 12, directly challenging a 2008 U.S. Supreme Court decision on non-murder offenses.
House passes bill to allow death penalty for child predators
The bill is a direct challenge to U.S. Supreme Court precedent that explicitly prohibits the death penalty in such cases.
Committee approves bill to allow death penalty in cases of child rape
The death penalty would be applied in situations where the victim is under 12 years of age.