Governor Jay Inslee suspends the death penalty in the state of Washington

On 11th February, the Governor of the state of Washington, Jay Inslee, announced that he would issue a reprieve for any death penalty case that reaches his desk. He does not intend to commute the sentences of the nine men on the state's death row, but his action will ensure that no executions occur while he is governor. In his press conference announcing the decision, Inslee said, "Equal justice under the law is the state's primary responsibility. And in death penalty cases, I'm not convinced equal justice is being served. The use of the death penalty in this state is unequally applied, sometimes dependent on the budget of the county where the crime occurred." He also questioned the deterrent effect of the death penalty and said that it was unnecessary when the state has the sentencing option of life without parole. In making his decision, Inslee consulted with victims' family members, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials. The governor said he hoped his action will prompt a deeper discussion of capital punishment in the state. Last year, Maryland abolished the death penalty, the 18th state to do so, and the sixth in the last six years.