The Case for Commuting NC’s Death Row

Any public policy that costs taxpayers millions of dollars a year and has no measurable benefits to society is, by definition, a failure. One that threatens the lives of innocent people, those with severe mental health concerns, and other vulnerable groups, and is infected with racism, surely should be out of bounds in a justice-seeking society. Yet, the death penalty remains on the books in North Carolina, despite the fact it’s more expensive than imprisonment and has no proven deterrent effect on violent crime. If Gov. Cooper does not act now, the state could face a wave of executions after a 17-year pause.