New Hampshire Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

In 2019, after twenty years of educational and political efforts, the New Hampshire legislature voted by an overwhelming majority to repeal New Hampshire’s death penalty. The reasons were many. The death penalty does not protect public safety or public officials. It is applied in a racially and economically discriminatory manner. It extends the trauma already experienced by the loved ones of homicide victims. It diverts resources from measures that could reduce crime. Its fair application would require the judicial system to be infallible, which we know from example is not the case. And it violates the moral codes taught by most ethical and religious traditions. Now, several legislators have said they will introduce bills in 2026 to bring back the death penalty. It is time once again to educate our legislators that state-sponsored killing has no place in the laws of our state.

Arnie Alpert, Chair
NHCADP Board of Directors