All Alabamians deserve equal justice under the law. But bias and inequality persist in Alabama’s capital punishment system, despite recent reforms.

Even though the state finally outlawed judicial override in 2017, the ban did not apply retroactively. That means dozens of people who were sentenced to death despite a jury’s sentencing recommendation of life without parole remain on death row.

Alabama can and must do better than this deeply flawed system. Our fact sheet sets out numerous important reforms to make Alabama law consistent with federal requirements and recent national trends. These changes would help reduce racial bias and bring Alabama’s capital punishment practices more in line with those in other states.

We need you with us as we push for needed reforms to Alabama’s criminal justice system. Please join Alabama Arise or renew your membership today to add your voice to our chorus for change. Together, we can build a better Alabama!