NCADP UNVEILS NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO END JUVENILE EXECUTIONS

"Jan. 7, 2003 - The National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty today launched a campaign to end juvenile executions at a time when the United States is one of only two countries actively engaged in the barbaric practice of executing people for crimes committed before they turn 18 years old.

NCADP said it will focus its campaign on state legislatures in the 22 states that still allow people who commit crimes before they turn 18 to be sentenced to death. Approximately 80 juvenile offenders are on death row, primarily in Texas and in the Deep South.

"No civilized society executes juvenile offenders," said Steven W. Hawkins, NCADP executive director. "We do not let juveniles sign contracts, serve in the military, marry, purchase alcohol or cigarettes or even vote. Yet we somehow deem them eligible for the death penalty. The double standard is appalling."

Announcement of the campaign comes one day after Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove announced he is granting a stay of execution to Ron Chris Foster, a juvenile offender. Foster's execution, which had been scheduled for 6 p.m. Central Standard Time Wednesday, has been indefinitely delayed, pending review of Foster's case before the Mississippi Supreme Court and review of another case before the U.S. Supreme Court."