U.S. courts exonerated 10 death row prisoners in 2003. Since 1973, when capital punishment was reinstated by the Supreme Court, 112 death row inmates have been exonerated in 25 states. It's time to end our flawed system of capital punishment by declaring a national moratorium.

Continuing the work started by former Gov. George Ryan, Illinois legislators passed an extensive death penalty reform package this fall, although a moratorium on executions remains in place. In North Carolina, senators voted to impose a moratorium while examining that state's capital punishment system for flaws, and the bill may come up for a vote in the house next year.

The death penalty also became an issue in Congress this year when the House passed a modified version of the Innocence Protection Act, a measure providing funds for DNA testing and improved legal representation in capital punishment cases. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, the Senate may consider the legislation in 2004.

But in the end, the system cannot be fixed. It is inherently flawed. As long as governments continue to put people to death, they run the risk of executing people innocent of murder.

To support a national moratorium, visit the Moratorium Campaign. Donate generously.