Death Penalty Focus

DPF was founded in 1988 by a group of people committed to the abolition of the death penalty in California. Former Governor Pat Brown became a founding member of DPF.{{Cite journal |last=Rohde |first=Stephen |title=CHOOSING LIFE: REFLECTIONS ON THE MOVEMENT TO END CAPITAL PUNISHMENT |url=https://www.swlaw.edu/sites/default/files/2017-08/219%20Choosing%20Life%20-%20Rohde.pdf |journal=Southwestern Law Review}} Michael Millman was also a founding member of DPF.{{Cite web |title=Supreme Court Marks Passing of Michael Millman |url=https://www.courts.ca.gov/26145.htm |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=www.courts.ca.gov}} The goal was to build a broad-based coalition against the death penalty.{{Cite web |date=2015-02-07 |title=Death Penalty Focus: Michael Millman accepts "Lifetime Achievement Award" |url=http://www.deathpenalty.org/article.php?id=742 |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207233555/http://www.deathpenalty.org/article.php?id=742 |archive-date=2015-02-07 }} The L.A. Times wrote that DPF "has become the clearinghouse for a variety of rallies, leafletting and marches throughout the state." Mike Farrell has served as president of DPF since 1994.{{Cite web |last=O’neill |first=Ann |date=2001-04-01 |title=The Actor Standing in Front of Death's Door |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-apr-01-cl-45223-story.html |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2016-09-03 |title='M.A.S.H.' Actor Mike Farrell Discusses Ending The Death Penalty In America (Audio) |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mash-actor-mike-farrell-discusses-ending-the_b_57ca2abce4b07addc41293a5 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}

In the early 1990s, Pat Clark served as the executive director.{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Bob |date=1992-04-03 |title=Day of Reckoning : Execution: Death penalty foes say they sense a new urgency as Harris' date in the gas chamber approaches. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-04-03-mn-262-story.html |access-date=2024-02-24 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} The organization was based out of Oakland at that time. DPF organized rallies and protests against the execution of Robert Harris. Clark spoke out in opposition to lethal injection: “It is intended to put a humane face on killing, when reality is that the death penalty, capital punishment, is a barbaric practice that has no place in a civilized society. We object strenuously to efforts to make the death penalty more palatable to the public.”{{Cite web |last=Jacobs |first=Paul |date=1992-08-29 |title=Execution by Lethal Injection OKd : Capital punishment: Governor signs the bill. Wilson says it will eliminate last-minute pleas that the gas chamber is cruel and unusual punishment. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-29-mn-5398-story.html |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} Claudia King served as executive director of the organization.{{Cite web |last=Archives |first=L. A. Times |date=1994-04-13 |title=Lowering the Crime Rate |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-04-13-me-45267-story.html |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

In 1995, Lance Lindsey took over as the Executive Director.{{Cite news |title=BAY AREA REPORT -- EAST BAY / New Director for Group Against Death Penalty |url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/bay-area-report-east-bay-new-director-for-3020844.php |access-date=2024-02-25 |work=SFGATE |language=en}} Lindsey organized protests outside of San Quentin State Prison.{{Cite news |last=Fagan |first=Kevin |title=Execution Foes Plan Prison Rally / No matter the crime, it's not right, they say |url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Execution-Foes-Plan-Prison-Rally-No-matter-the-2993204.php |access-date=2024-02-25 |work=SFGATE |language=en}} Lindsey told SFGate: "We are sensitive and compassionate to the horrible suffering of these victims and their families ... but we're just saying that using violence to stop more violence just perpetuates the cycle of violence." DPF, under Lindsey's leadership helped organize several coalitions: California People of Faith Working against the Death Penalty, Californians for a Moratorium on Executions, and the California Crime Victims for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.{{Cite web |title=Profile of Lance Lindsey: "It came to me through my Stomach." |url=https://www.aclunc.org/sites/default/files/fiftyrighteousyears.pdf |website=ACLU}}

In 2004, DPF joined the Committee to Save Kevin Cooper. They protested, held a press conference, and distributed flyers to the public.{{Cite web |date= |title=The Fight to Save Kevin Cooper |url=https://againstthecurrent.org/atc111/p399/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Against the Current |language=en-US}} The organization played a role in organizing opposition protests to the execution of Stanley Tookie Williams in 2005Villalon, Debora (11/19/2005) "[http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=3649533 Supporters say Tookie should live] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009095547/http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=3649533|date=2012-10-09}}" [http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=3649533] KGO-TVKershaw, Sarah (12/14/2005) "[https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/14/national/14tookie.html Execution ignites new fire in death penalty debate]" [https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/14/national/14tookie.html] New York Times

DPF has been described as "the strongest voice in California’s abolition movement" by San Francisco Magazine.Yogis, Jaimal (03/2006) "[http://www.sanfranmag.com/story/killing-death-penalty Killing the Death Penalty] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002172505/http://www.sanfranmag.com/story/killing-death-penalty|date=2011-10-02}}" [http://www.sanfranmag.com/story/killing-death-penalty] San Francisco Magazine

In 2005, DPF worked with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and others to oppose the death penalty.{{Cite web |last=Dickerson |first=Justin |date=2005-03-22 |title=Bishops Renew Fight Against Death Penalty |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-mar-22-na-deathpen22-story.html |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} The campaign distributed leaflets at churches, encouraged religious leaders to speak about the death penalty, and they collected signatures for a moratorium campaign to pause executions in California.

In 2011, Jeanne Woodford, the former warden of San Quentin Prison, took over as executive director.{{Cite web |last=jlalard |date=2011-06-05 |title=Former death row warden turns frontline abolitionist |url=https://worldcoalition.org/2011/06/06/former-death-row-warden-turns-frontline-abolitionist/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=WCADP |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Carol |first=Williams |date=2011-05-12 |title=Former California prisons leader joins fight against death penalty |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2011-may-12-la-me-0512-warden-anti-death-penalty-20110512-story.html |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Journal |first=Marin Independent |date=2013-07-27 |title=Former San Quentin Warden Woodford says death penalty almost dead |url=https://www.marinij.com/general-news/20130727/former-san-quentin-warden-woodford-says-death-penalty-almost-dead/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Marin Independent Journal |language=en-US}} Shortly after, DPF led the campaign for 2012 California Proposition 34 that would have abolished the death penalty in California.{{Cite web |last=Welsh |first=Nick |date=2012-09-13 |title=Prop. 34: High Price of Death |url=https://www.independent.com/2012/09/13/prop-34-high-price-death/ |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Santa Barbara Independent |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Zapata |first=Natasha Hakimi |date=2016-11-06 |title=How a Former District Attorney Finally Agreed With Activist Mike Farrell on the Death Penalty |url=https://www.truthdig.com/articles/how-a-former-district-attorney-finally-agreed-with-activist-mike-farrell-on-the-death-penalty/ |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Truthdig |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Prop 34: Ex-San Quentin Prison Warden Jeanne Woodford Backs California Measure to End Death Penalty |url=http://www.democracynow.org/2012/10/25/prop_34_ex_san_quentin_prison |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Democracy Now! |language=en}}

In 2015, Farrell spoke at the annual meeting of the Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. He said in a subsequent phone interview: "What we don't understand in this country is the cost to us, and I don't mean financial. It's the terrible social (and) moral cost we haven't come to grips with."{{Cite web |last=Lynn |first=Capi |title=Values in conflict over Oregon's death penalty |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/opinion/columnists/capi-lynn/2015/06/10/values-conflict-oregons-death-penalty/28777635/ |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=Statesman Journal |language=en-US}}

In 2023, DPF President Mike Farrell praised California Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to dismantle the state's death row.{{Cite web |last=Westervelt |first=Eric |date=2023-01-14 |title=California Will Dismantle Death Row — Some Cheer, but Others Are Outraged {{!}} KQED |url=https://www.kqed.org/news/11938061/california-will-dismantle-death-row-some-cheer-but-others-are-outraged |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=www.kqed.org |language=en}}

Supreme Court of California Chief Justice Rose Bird (1997), Bud Welch (his daughter Julie was a victim of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing) (1998), Linda and Peter Biehl (1999), Rabbi Leonard Beerman (2000), Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation (2001), Rev. James Lawson (activist) (2002), Patch Adams (2003), Aqeela Sherrills (2004),{{Cite web |last=Administrator |first=Posted by |date=2011-07-14 |title=California's Death Penalty Prevents True Community Justice |url=https://www.laprogressive.com/law-and-the-justice-system/californias-death-penalty-prevents-true-community-justice |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=LA Progressive |language=en}} Bishop Henry Williamson (2005), George F. Regas (2006), Robert Greenwald (2007), Azim Khamisa (2008), Bryan Stevenson (2009), Sister Suzanne Jabro, CSJ (2010), Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange (2011), Greg Boyle (2012), Javier Stauring (2013), Dolores Huerta (2016)

Rubin Carter (1996), Kiefer Sutherland (1996), Sean Penn (1997), CA State Senator John Burton (American politician) (1998), Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee (2000), Roger Mahony (2001), Danny Glover (2002),{{Cite web |last=Wiltz |first=Teresa |date=2002-05-31 |title=Stardom's a Lethal Weapon for Good in Danny Glover's Hands |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-31-et-wiltz31-story.html |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Danny Glover: The Death Penalty in This Great Nation of Ours - YES! Magazine Solutions Journalism |url=https://www.yesmagazine.org/issue/love-save-world/opinion/2001/11/06/danny-glover-the-death-penalty-in-this-great-nation-of-ours |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=YES! Magazine |language=en-US}} Ramona Ripston (2003), Gabino Zavala (2004), Ted Kennedy (2005), Barry Scheck (2006), Thomas Gumbleton (2007), Jon Corzine and New Jerseyans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (2008), Nick McKeown (2009), Richard Dieter (2010), Death Penalty Clinic at UC Berkeley School of Law (Elisabeth Semel & Ty Alper) (2011), West Memphis Three and their defense team (2012), 2012 California Proposition 34 leaders (2013), Dale Baich (2015), Richard Branson (2016), Bernie Sanders (2017), Renny Cushing (2019), Michael L. Radelet (2021), Virginia Abolition Movement Leaders: Ralph Norman, Scott Surovell, Michael P. Mullin, Joseph Giarratano, among others (2022), Diann Rust-Tierney (2023)

Mervyn Dymally (2006), Michael Millman (2014), Leonard Beerman (2015), James Lawson (activist) (2018), Anthony G. Amsterdam (2019)

Studs Terkel (2002),{{Cite web |date=2008-10-31 |title=Studs Terkel dies at 96 |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2008/10/31/studs-terkel-dies-at-96 |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=MPR News |language=en}} Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen (actor) (2003),{{Cite web |last=Martinez |first=Julio |date=2002-04-24 |title=The Exonerated |url=https://variety.com/2002/legit/reviews/the-exonerated-3-1200550135/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} Robert Wise (2004), Bradley Whitford and Jane Kaczmarek (2005), Carl Reiner (2006), David E. Kelley (2007), John Grisham (2008), Nancy Miller (2009), Alec Baldwin (2010), Hilary Swank (2011), MC Hammer (2012), James Cromwell (2013), Peter Sarsgaard and Veena Sud, on behalf of The Cast and Crew of “The Killing (American TV series)” (2014), Alex Gibney, Brad Hebert, Laura Michalchyshyn on behalf of Death Row Stories (2015), Jackson Browne (2016), Joan Baez (2017), Elizabeth Bruenig (2023)

Steve Allen (1998), Norman Jewison (1999), David E. Kelley, Robert Breech, and the Cast of The Practice (2000),{{cite web|date=April 13, 2007|author= Boston Legal|url= http://www.boston-legal.org/news.shtml|title= 'Justice in the Arts Award for David E. Kelley|publisher=Boston Legal|access-date=2010-04-23}} Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme and the Cast of The West Wing (2001),{{Cite news |date=2024-01-10 |title=Hollywood Pleads Its Case |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/style/2000/05/07/hollywood-pleads-its-case/c1ba1cc8-ab19-4693-8aa5-3b6aedd0cafd/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} Stanley Sheinbaum (2002), George Ryan (2003), Rosalynn Carter (2004), Andy and Deborah Rappaport (2005), Victoria Riskin and David W. Rintels (2006), Max Palevsky and Jodie Evans (2007), Sarah Timberman and Ed Redlich (2008), John Van de Kamp (2009), Sherry and Leo Frumkin (2010), Thomas Schlamme (2011), Denise Foderaro Quattrone (2012), Death row exonerees Kwame Ajamu, Ricky Jackson and Wiley Bridgeman along with their attorneys (2015), John Paul Stevens (2019), Bryan Stevenson (2021), Paula Mitchell, Andy Wilson, and Maurice Hastings (2023)

Mario Cuomo (1996),{{Cite book |last1=Whitman |first1=Claudia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1GAvAQAAIAAJ |title=The Death Penalty |last2=Zimmerman |first2=Julie |date=1997 |publisher=Biddle Publishing Company |isbn=978-1-879418-26-4 |language=en}} Jesse Jackson (1997), Larry Fox (on behalf of the American Bar Association) (1998), David Protess and Lawrence Marshall (1999), Senator Russ Feingold (2000),{{Cite news |last=Feingold |first=Russ |date=2000-04-27 |title=Time To Stop Tinkering With the Machinery of Death |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/time-stop-tinkering-machinery-death/ |access-date=2024-02-25 |language=en-US |issn=0027-8378}} Governor George Ryan (2001), Barbara Lee (2002), Vicente Fox (2003), Harry Belafonte (2004), Sister Helen Prejean (2005), Dorothy Ehrlich (2006), Kamala Harris (2007), Julian Bond (2008), Jeanne Woodford (2009), Paul Haggis (2010), Lance Lindsey (2011), Martin O'Malley (2014), Judy Clarke and Speedy Rice (2017), Mike Farrell (2018), Dick Durbin and Ayanna Pressley (2022), Josh Shapiro (2023)

Gloria Killian,{{Cite web |title=Gloria Killian - National Registry of Exonerations |url=https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3348 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=www.law.umich.edu}} Greg Wilhoit,{{Cite web |title=Through Thick and Thin: On Death Row, Two Men Defied Odds With Friendship and Hope |url=https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/stories/through-thick-and-thin-on-death-row-two-men-defied-odds-with-friendship-and-hope |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Death Penalty Information Center |language=en-US}} Tom Goldstein{{Cite web |last=Marso |first=Andy |title=Prairie Village native puts face on death penalty debate |url=https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/state/2014/03/05/prairie-village-native-puts-face-death-penalty-debate/16677839007/ |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Topeka Capital-Journal |language=en-US}} (2006)

Melody Ermachild, Henry Weinstein, and Dr. Arthur Zitrin (2008)

Madeleine Haas Russell{{Cite news |last=Staff |first=J. |date=1997-12-19 |title=Jewish S.F. death-penalty foe wins award |url=https://jweekly.com/1997/12/19/jewish-s-f-death-penalty-foe-wins-award/ |access-date=2024-03-03 |work=J. |language=en-US}} (1997), Mike Farrell (2006), George McGovern (2007), Sidney Sheinberg (2008), Bill Richardson (2009), Stephen Bright (2011), Norman Felton (2013), Juan E. Méndez (2014), Sharon Brous (2021)

Pat Quinn (politician){{Cite web |last=News {{!}} |first=Daily |date=2011-05-12 |title=Illinois governor to be honored in Beverly Hills tonight by death penalty opponents |url=https://www.dailynews.com/20110512/illinois-governor-to-be-honored-in-beverly-hills-tonight-by-death-penalty-opponents/ |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=Daily News |language=en-US}} (2011)

Robert Badinter (2022)

• Helen Prejean, a U.S. anti-death penalty campaigner and DPF advisory board member
• Jeanne Woodford, Consultant for Death Penalty Focus
• James Lawson, Board Member, Death Penalty Focus
• Michael Millman, founding member

{{reflist}}

Category:Organizations established in 1988

Category:Anti–death penalty organizations in the United States