More U.S. States Should Follow Illinois’ Example

Almost all countries that include the death penalty in their range of punishment are in Africa or Asia. Regardless of where in the world a country with capital punishment may be, it belongs in a global minority. The norm, thankfully, is to not exercise the right to execute one’s citizens. Ever.

Thus, the U.S. is unusual in more than one way. Here, the death penalty is found in the one of the world’s largest democracies. It’s nothing short of a disgrace. That is why the news that Illinois has abolished capital punishment is extremely welcome. Governor Pat Quinn took the opportunity to change the penalty for the 15 death row prisoners to life imprisonment.

An important catalyst for the change in legislation was the debate that started in 1999 when a group of students was able to prove that an innocent man was condemned to death — right here in Illinois, which ultimately proved that the death penalty holds dire risks. For most, the risks seem fairly obvious, but it is nevertheless excellent news that the students succeeded in getting more people to understand this. More states should follow Illinois’ example.