The California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice: Upcoming Death Penalty Hearings

The California Commission on the Fair Administration of Justice will hold public hearings in early-2008 to consider the administration of the death penalty in California.  The hearings will draw input from experts and members of the public in an unprecedented effort to address serious flaws in California’s death penalty system.

The Commission was created by the California Senate to examine the causes of “wrongful convictions and wrongful executions” in California and to recommend reforms to ensure that the administration of criminal justice in California is “just, fair, and accurate.”

Thus far, the Commission has issued a series of reports and recommendations on the causes of wrongful convictions. Three criminal justice reform bills based on the Commission’s unanimous recommendations passed the legislature this year, but were vetoed by the Governor. The Commission’s most recent reports address remedies for wrongful convictions, and professional responsibility for prosecution and defense attorneys.

At the upcoming hearings, experts in the field will present research and testimony on racial and geographic disparities, costs, problems with juries and other topics. The Commission will also hear from the public and listen to the experiences of victims’ families and others affected by the death penalty system. Specific issues to be discussed at the hearings will be posted as the dates approach.

Members of the public are invited to take part in this exciting opportunity to reform California’s death penalty system, by attending and offering comments at the upcoming hearings; click here to submit comments through the Commission's website.

The next hearings will be:

• January 10 - Sacramento, State Capitol Building Room 4203

• February 20 - Los Angeles, Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration

• March 28 - University of Santa Clara Law School, Room TBA

To learn more, visit www.ccfaj.org.