Podcast: Capital Punishment: Life and Death Row
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Is it ever right to kill someone? Are lethal injections really humane? Is capital punishment going to be around forever?
In some parts of the world the US is infamous for its continued use of the death penalty.
Using the BBC’s Life and Death Row – The Mass Execution as a backdrop, Dr Vivien Miller discusses the history of capital punishment in America. In doing so, she reveals how the death penalty divides the US along several different fault lines: race, gender, religion and region.
The first episode in a four-part series, Life and Death Row – The Mass Execution is a riveting and heartbreaking account of recent events that unfolded in Arkansas as drugs used in legal injections were soon to become unavailable. The state planned to execute eight men in ten days, leading to a heated debate about the complicated legal, moral, and social factors that are involved in these kinds of decisions.
With lives on the line, and issues of racism arising, this is what some would call a ‘21st-century injustice’…
“It’s much more likely that a black defendant with a white victim will end up with an execution.” – Dr Vivien Miller
The 28th Annual Service of Hope
Good Friday Prayer Vigil
April 18th, 2025 at 12pm at Jameson Prison
1600 North Dr Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Good Friday Vigil against the Death Penalty to be held
at the South Dakota State Penitentiary
***Click Here To Download Event Program***
Dear All, For 28 years, groups that work for alternatives to the death penalty have gathered for a Good Friday Vigil on the grounds of the South Dakota State Penitentiary in opposition to the death penalty. This year on Friday, April 18th, advocates will gather from noon to 1pm, near the flagpole by the east parking lot, to offer prayers for the end of the death penalty in South Dakota.
Prayers will be offered for both those who are victims and for those who commit crimes. A homily will be shared by Pastor George Gehant of Brookings. A number of denominations and faiths have positions against the death penalty. The public is invited to pray, sing, and hear messages of hope in this interfaith service. An opportunity will be offered for those wishing to sign a "Declaration of Life" living will document. This document affirms, that if ever the signer is murdered, the perpetrator not be executed by the state. Notary Public Mary Montoya, will be present to notarize the document.
The Vigil is sponsored by South Dakotans for Alternative to the Death Penalty, Alternatives to Violence Project of Sioux Falls & Springfield, Pax Christi South Dakota and Pax Christi Brookings and the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
We hope that you all can attend.
We are South Dakotans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty a 501(c)3
and
South Dakotans Opposed to the Death Penalty a 501(c)4, which is our lobby arm of this organization.
"There is a field beyond our differences; I will meet you there." Rumi
