Human Rights Watch opposes capital punishment in all circumstances because of its cruel and inhumane nature. The cornerstone of human rights is respect for the inherent dignity of all human beings and the inviolability of the human person. These principles cannot be reconciled with the death penalty, a form of punishment that is unique in its barbarity and finality. The intrinsic fallibility of all criminal justice systems assures that even when full due process of law is respected, innocent persons may be executed.

Take Action  (Last Updated: march 2005)

• Support a moratorium in your state
  
• Take action on death penalty legislation in your state
  
• Support the North Carolina Coalition for a Moratorium
  
• Stop the reinstatement of the death penalty in New York
  

Learn More

• Latest HRW work on the death penalty in the United States
  
• Government, NGO, and media studies of state death penalty systems
  
• Death Penalty Links