The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) recently released findings on the use of the death penalty in California and Louisiana. The organizations concluded that the use of the death penalty in both states was arbitrary and discriminatory. The study also found that conditions on death row constituted cruel and inhumane treatment. The study recommended that California and Louisiana improve death row conditions by ending solitary confinement and providing visits with family members. The study concluded, “States must also ensure that all persons charged with a death-eligible offense have timely-appointed, competent, and experienced representation at all stages of a capital case, and that appointed counsel have adequate funding to carry out the tasks necessary to provide effective representation.” Read full text of Executive Summary here.

(“Human Rights Groups Release Preliminary Death Penalty Findings: Missions to California, Louisiana find torture, discrimination,” International Federation for Human Rights, June 17, 2013). See Studies and Death Row.

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