ALL NEWS

Prominent author speaks with Utah lawmakers about the death penalty

Jan 19, 2022, 10:44 PM | Updated: Dec 30, 2022, 11:21 am

utah death penalty...

Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, talks to journalists while at the Capitol in Salt Lake City to meet with lawmakers on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, to discuss elimination of the death penalty in Utah. Photo credit: Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — An author whose work became an award-winning movie came to Utah Wednesday to speak with lawmakers about the death penalty.

Bryan Stevenson, whose 2019 memoir Just Mercy was turned into an NAACP Image Award-winning movie, spoke with Gov. Cox and other state lawmakers on Wednesday.

Stevenson says he believes in public safety but sees the death penalty as an obstacle to that safety.

“We’re wasting a lot of money in the pursuit of something that doesn’t, in my judgment, contribute to the health of a community,” Stevenson said.

During public comments, Stevenson was flanked by Rep. Lowry Snow (R-District 74) and Sen. Daniel McCay (R-District 11), the co-sponsors of a bill that would change the capital punishment law in Utah.

If passed, H.B. 147 would replace the death penalty with a prison sentence of 45 years to life, leaving life without parole as a possible sentence.

In September 2021, the Salt Lake County District Attorney, Utah County Attorney, and Summit County Attorney announced they supported the then-upcoming legislation. 

In the same month, Utah County Attorney David Leavitt announced he would no longer seek the death penalty in cases brought to his office.

Stevenson wrote Just Mercy about his experiences defending a man on death row. His memoir became a major film starring Jamie Foxx, who won an NAACP Image Award for his performance.

He is the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative out of Montgomery, Alabama. Described as a human rights organization, EJI has won legal battles involving unfair sentencing. The organization has also helped exonerate innocent people on death row.

Simone Seikaly contributed.

Other reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of the container ship Dali after the br...

Nick Perry

Baltimore bridge collapse puts the highly specialized role of ship’s pilot under the spotlight

The highly specialized role — in which a pilot temporarily takes control of a ship from its regular captain — is coming under the spotlight this week.

1 hour ago

Shopping carts are parked outside a Home Depot in Philadelphia...

MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer

Home Depot buying supplier to professional contractors in a deal valued at about $18.25 billion

Home Depot will buy SRS Distribution, a materials provider for professionals, in a deal valued at approximately $18.25 billion.

2 hours ago

Killer Mike poses in the press room with three trophies he won at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Recent Grammy winners highlight Ogden Twilight Concert Series lineup

Hip hop star Michael Render, known by his stage name Killer Mike, fresh off of three Grammy Award wins last month, is one of several musical artists set to headline this year's Ogden Twilight Concert Series.

3 hours ago

"Burn Book," by longtime Silicon Valley reporter Kara Swisher is seen, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Sa...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Telling tales about tech bros

Kara Swisher’s new book paints an ugly picture of Silicon Valley.

5 hours ago

pets...

Curt Gresseth

Don’t surrender pets to a shelter. Send in a pro to reverse bad behavior, says Utah trainer

An expert discusses controlling the unwanted behavior of pets.

5 hours ago

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Prominent author speaks with Utah lawmakers about the death penalty