In 2003, California juries sent 16 individuals to death row, the lowest number since 1985 and a dramatic decline from 1999’s total of 42 new death sentences. Some believe the decline is evidence of prosecutors being more selective in seeking death convictions, as well as the public’s skepticism about the capital punishment system. Robert Pugsley, a professor at Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles, noted, “I think that (incidences of wrongfully convicted death row inmates) has given increased vigor to the argument made by ideological as well as pragmatic opponents of the death penalty that the system is riddled with error. Juries are being more selective and prosecutors too, although a DA would never admit that.” California has executed 10 individuals since it reinstated the death penalty. The scheduled execution of Kevin Cooper in February 2004 would be the state’s first execution in two years. There are more than 600 people on the state’s death row. (Press-Enterprise, January 26, 2004) See Death Sentences by State. See California.