Using a coordinated, strategic, and empowerment-oriented approach, OTSE works to build and mobilize public and political support for abolition of capital punishment. Our core objectives include abolishing the death penalty through legislative action and changing the statewide conversation about the death penalty. We work towards repeal by highlighting the tremendous bipartisan support for abolition, informing Ohioans about the death penalty’s exorbitant costs and wastefulness as no societal benefits accrue, demonstrating the risk of wrongful executions, and exposing and challenging the racial bias and arbitrariness that are inherent in the death penalty system.
We are currently focused on passing bipartisan legislation that would end the death penalty in Ohio prospectively. At this writing, two companion bipartisan bills have been introduced in the Ohio legislature and hearings have been held in their respective committees.