Advocates for and Against the Death Penalty Make Their Case

Nine people have been executed in the state of Texas in 2014. Two more are scheduled for execution later this month. While eleven executions would be, by far, the most in any state in 2014, it’s also the fewest in Texas since 1996. Why? Are attitudes changing towards the death penalty in Texas? Are we intentionally pursuing fewer capital cases?Â

We revisit these and other questions associated with the death penalty in Texas with two guests.

First, we talk with Sister Helen Prejean. If her name rings a bell, it could be because of her best-selling book Dead Man Walking, or the film adaptation of the same name. Susan Sarandon won an Oscar for her portrayal of Sister Prejean, who became a strong advocate for the elimination of the death penalty after witnessing the process of executions first-hand, and ministering to death row inmates. We welcome your questions and comments for Helen Prejean as she visits Houston to discuss “The Death Penalty and Prison Reform in Texas” on the UH campus.

Then, we hear a different perspective as we welcome your questions and comments for for Dudley Sharp, a victims’ rights advocate who tracks legislation related to capital punishment and has spoken out over the years in favor of it.