The two-hour delay on September 15, 2009 in Rommell Broom’s execution—and the subsequent suspension of his execution until September 28th—is evidence of one flaw in Ohio’s death-penalty system. But in reality, the system is more deeply flawed.

Three independent studies in the past few years—by the League of Women Voters of Ohio (2005), the AP (2005) and the American Bar Association (2007)—provide sufficient evidence to re-examine and abolish our state’s system.

Following a comprehensive study of Ohio’s death-penalty system, the League concluded in 2005 that Ohio’s death penalty should be abolished because of significant inequities in its application, including:

• systemic bias against minorities,
• violations of due process,
• inequalities in legal representation of defendants,
• the uneven application of the death penalty and the injustice inherent in the system.

None of these inequities has been resolved. The League of Women Voters of Ohio therefore urges Governor Strickland to call for a moratorium on the use of the death penalty and urges the General Assembly to abolish it. Justice must be served for all.

The full study is available on the League’s website at www.lwvohio.org.

Sincerely,

Meg G. Flack
President
League of Women Voters of Ohio

The League of Women Voters of Ohio, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.