In a recent article at Newsmax, the leader of CCATDP questioned the secrecy surrounding the death penalty system in the United States and pointed to the questionable tactics some states are using to limit the information available to the public about their systems. From the article: “States are now blocking information about the drugs they are using in lethal injections, and not just from the public, but frequently from the very manufacturers producing the drugs who do not want their product used in this manner.” “Since 2011, thirteen state legislatures have passed new laws that have enacted secrecy statutes to prevent the public from obtaining important information about executions. Eight additional states have invoked existing laws or protocols to refuse disclosing this type of information. In four of these states, it is either a civil or criminal offense to disclose such information.” “These laws are a mechanism for the government to thwart the constitutional rights of individuals, the ability of courts to ensure the protection of those rights, and the capability for the public to hold their government accountable. It seems in many, many areas of ou

July 24, 2014 – Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty (CCATDP), a national network of conservatives and libertarians questioning the alignment of capital punishment with their principles, issued the following statement by Marc Hyden, Advocacy Coordinator: “After last night’s botched execution in Arizona and the national spate of executions marred by mistakes, it appears that the government cannot execute someone without committing serious errors. This is a perfect example of why an inherently fallible system run by human beings must be limited especially when the system is veiled in secrecy. The execution in Arizona, much like many botched executions predating it, was problematic from early on, including secretly obtained drugs and untested, experimental protocols. Conservatives are right to be wary of a government acting in secrecy, which may well be covering up its own mistakes and abuse. This is not the transparent government that we demand.” About Us Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty is a network of political and social conservatives who question the alignment of capital punishment with conservative principles and values. Specifically, we are quest