News & Commentary

Death penalty cases can drag on for more than a decade, forcing victims’ families to endure years of uncertainty and waiting. In contrast, a sentence of life in prison without parole could offer swift and certain justice that allows victims to move on with the healing process as soon as the trial is over. Murderers need to be severely punished, but Kentucky’s death penalty system isn’t working and should be replaced with life in prison without the possibility of parole. “Clearly, Kentuckians remain uncomfortable with death as a sentence. Their discomfort is well founded,” said Kentucky Public Advocate Ed Monahan. “Our system of administering capital punishment is broken, costly and produces little value. Full reform must take place now. Gradualism is not acceptable in this matter of life and death.”