The Death Penalty Information Center's Year End Report for 2008 recorded 37 executions for the year that ends today. That is a 12% drop from the 42 executions in 2007. However, based on executions already scheduled for 2009, the coming year may see an increase. There are 23 executions scheduled for the first five months of 2009, and more dates are likely to be added. As was true in 2008, almost all the executions scheduled are in the south and about half (12 of 23) are in Texas. Although the time between sentencing and execution has grown longer, the size of death row has remained relatively stable and many inmates are running out of appeals.
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) reported that the average time between sentencing and execution for those executed in 2007 (latest figures available) was 12.7 years, the longest for any year since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. The average time between sentencing and execution for all executions carried out since 1976 was about 10.5 years. At the start of 2008, there were 3,309 people on death row, a decline of just over 1% from a year ago. BJS reported 115 death sentences in 2007, the lowest number for any year since 1976. DPIC's projections indicate a similar number of death sentences for 2008.
The legislative commission established to examine the death penalty in Maryland has recommended abolition of the punishment by a vote of 13-9. The Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment released its final report on December 12, detailing the reasons for its recommendation. "There is no good and sufficient reason to have the death penalty," Chairman Benjamin R. Civiletti said at a news conference. Regarding the commission's recommendation of repeal rather than reform, he said, "There are so many faults, so many flaws within the system that we could not imagine ... ways in which to cure it."
A legislative committee created to study the death penalty in Tennessee has recommended ways to ensure capital cases are handled fairly and effectively. The committee approved a resolution that asks lawmakers to create a statewide authority whose duties would include identifying lawyers experienced in capital cases, raising the standard pay for such attorneys, and monitoring their caseloads.