CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF KENTUCKY
1042 BURLINGTON LANE
FRANKFORT KY 40601
502-875-4345
March 30, 2002
TO: MEMBERS OF THE FREE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE FOR HB 507
FROM: REV. PATRICK DELAHANTY
RE: AMENDMENT TO HB 507
We understand that Representative Stumbo will offer an amendment to HB 507
prohibiting the expenditure of state monies on the execution of anyone who has been
sentenced to death for an aggravated murder who was 16 or 17 years old at the time the
crime was committed.
In addition to our belief that all life belongs to God and not to the State, we urge your
support for this amendment for the following reasons:
1. There is a growing consensus in this nation that juveniles should not face
execution. The Governor of Indiana just signed a bill into law that abolishes
the juvenile death penalty there.
2. Weare hopeful that the Kentucky Criminal Justice Council will be studying
the use of the death penalty in Kentucky and that it reaches a conclusion that
juveniles should not face the death penalty because recent studies clearly
indicate that the human brain at this age is not fully developed, especially that
area which involves decision-making and judgment. Juveniles are not capable
of making adult decisions, and we acknowledge this already in other areas of
the law.
3. There is one person on death row in Kentucky who was 17 when the crime for
which he is convicted and under a sentence of death was committed. With
nearly every appeal exhausted, his execution is likely to occur this year. We
find this especially troubling should this take place and in the next year or two
Kentucky, like Indiana, abolishes the death penalty for juveniles.
As we celebrate a weekend dedicated to the Resurrection to new life, we are particularly
grateful to your consideration of this request. On behalf of the Catholic bishops of
Kentucky, thank you very much.
