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FL Executions Hit Lowest Mark Of Gov. Scott Administation, Decline Nationwide

Nationwide executions by year.
Death Penalty Information Center

The Death Penalty Information Center’s year-end report shows executions and capital sentences are continuing a steady march downward nationwide.

Since Florida Governor Rick Scott took office, the state has put 23 people to death.  But the process ground to a halt in January thanks to the US Supreme Court decision Hurst v. Florida.  Robert Dunham of the Death Penalty Information Center says it’s the most important ruling of its kind this year.

“In response to that ruling, state courts in Florida and Delaware struck down provisions in their statutes that permitted judges to impose death sentences over jury recommendations for life or when juries had not reached a unanimous recommendation for death,” Dunham explains.

The organization’s year-end report also highlights local developments in Duval and Hillsborough counties.  Both chose new state attorneys, replacing prosecutors known for disproportionately seeking the death penalty.

Nick Evans came to Tallahassee to pursue a masters in communications at Florida State University. He graduated in 2014, but not before picking up an internship at WFSU. While he worked on his degree Nick moved from intern, to part-timer, to full-time reporter. Before moving to Tallahassee, Nick lived in and around the San Francisco Bay Area for 15 years. He listens to far too many podcasts and is a die-hard 49ers football fan. When Nick’s not at work he likes to cook, play music and read.