The Kansas Death Penalty Debate

Abstract

The death penalty has been fiercely debated in Kansas for more than ten years. During this period, the Kansas Legislature passed four bills that would have reinstated the death penalty. Former Governor Carlin, however, vetoed these bills. Last year, newly elected Governor Hayden advocated the passage of a death penalty bill. The bill, which passed the House, was narrowly defeated by the Senate. Undoubtedly, a new death penalty bill will be introduced in the Kansas Legislature and the debate will continue. Rather than take a position on capital punishment, this article surveys the death penalty debate. After briefly reviewing the constitutional aspects of the death penalty, it will analyze the primary arguments against the death penalty and examine the latest Kansas bill.