Death Penalty Expansion Project

Our Mission

The Death Penalty Expansion Project is dedicated to advancing evidence-based capital punishment reform across the United States. Our mission centers on strategic expansion of the death penalty to encompass high-harm crimes that currently fall outside its scope, while simultaneously advocating for streamlined judicial processes that balance due process with timely justice.

We believe that capital punishment, when applied judiciously and reformed appropriately, serves as a powerful deterrent against the most heinous crimes while providing closure and justice for victims' families. Our approach is grounded in rigorous research demonstrating the deterrent effect of capital punishment, particularly for crimes involving mass harm, organized criminal enterprises, and acts of terrorism.

Through policy advocacy, legislative engagement, and public education, we work to expand capital punishment eligibility to include crimes such as large-scale fentanyl trafficking resulting in multiple deaths, serial violent offenses, and other high-harm felonies that devastate communities. Simultaneously, we advocate for reforms that streamline the appeals process, reduce decades-long delays, and ensure that justice is both swift and certain.

Key Principles

Evidence-Based Deterrence: Supporting capital punishment expansion based on empirical research demonstrating its deterrent effect on high-harm crimes
Victim-Centered Justice: Prioritizing the rights and closure needs of victims' families through timely, certain punishment for the most severe offenses
Streamlined Due Process: Advocating for reformed appeals processes that maintain constitutional protections while eliminating excessive delays

Why Expansion Matters

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Proven Deterrence

Empirical research demonstrates that capital punishment, when applied consistently and publicly, significantly deters high-harm crimes. Expanding eligibility to crimes like large-scale fentanyl trafficking and serial offenses amplifies this deterrent effect.

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Victim Closure

For families of victims of the most heinous crimes, capital punishment provides a measure of justice and closure that life imprisonment cannot. Timely execution of sentences honors victims and their families.

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Cost-Effective Justice

While initial costs exist, streamlined appeals processes and expanded application reduce long-term incarceration expenses for the most dangerous offenders, making capital punishment a fiscally responsible option.

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Policy Reform Proposals

We advocate for specific reforms: expanding DP to fentanyl trafficking causing death, streamlining federal and state appeals timelines, and establishing clear criteria for capital-eligible offenses.

Resources & Analysis

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Why Expand DP to Fentanyl Trafficking

Large-scale fentanyl trafficking operations result in hundreds of deaths annually. This analysis examines how capital punishment could serve as a critical deterrent for traffickers who knowingly distribute lethal substances.

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Streamlining Appeals: A Path to Timely Justice

Current appeals processes can extend for decades, undermining both deterrence and victim closure. This policy brief outlines reforms that maintain due process while ensuring timely execution of sentences.

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Evidence-Based Deterrence: The Research

A comprehensive review of academic studies demonstrating the deterrent effect of capital punishment, with particular focus on high-harm crimes and organized criminal enterprises.

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Legislative Framework for Expansion

Detailed policy proposals for expanding capital punishment eligibility at both federal and state levels, including model legislation and implementation guidelines.