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The legal community is often asked to explain how and why the death penalty is applied in Washington State. How is prosecutorial discretion exercised in these cases? What are the financial costs to society? Is it a deterrent to other potential criminals? Does it unfairly impact some races more than others? Are convicted persons executed but later found to be innocent? Why have sixteen states abolished use of the death penalty in favor of life without parole sentences?
Legislators in Olympia will soon be called on to consider these questions and legislation aimed at abolishing the death penalty in Washington State. To better understand the issues surrounding the death penalty, KCBA's Public Policy Committee has organized a half-day forum so that the bar, bench, and interested members of the public can explore answers to questions about the death penalty. Speakers include Washington Death Penalty Assistance Center Director Katherine Ross, Snohomish County Prosecutor Mark Roe, former King County Prosecutor Christopher Bayley, attorney Mark Prothero, who defended "Green River Killer" Gary Ridgway, Mishi Faruqee from the ACLU's Safe and Just Alternatives Campaign, retired Whatcom County Superior Court Judge David Nichols, and attorneys Mark Larrañaga and Carl Luer.
This program will be offered without cost to attendees, and will include 4 CLE/CJE credits for attorneys and judges. Advance registration is requested. Please visit www.kcba.org/deathpenalty for more information.
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