Oregon

Marion County DA backs Gary Haugen's argument to override Kitzhaber on execution

Haugen's argument to override Kitzhaber on execution

Haugen has asked the Marion County Circuit Court to issue a new death warrant, saying he doesn't accept the reprieve, making it "legally ineffective." The Oregonian’s continuing coverage of Gary Haugen, an Oregon death row prisoner, wants to initiate the execution process. Gov. John Kitzhaber blocked his execution and all others in Oregon. Marion County District Attorney Walt Beglau said Monday that the two-time killer has a viable argument. "That's the legal issue that needs to be explored in a court of law. That really is the central issue."

Oregon Supreme Court Again Overturns Death Sentence

Oregon Supreme Court overturns death sentence

The Oregon Supreme Court, for the third time in two decades, has overturned a death sentence against Robert Paul Langley Jr. for a murder committed in 1987. The decision announced Thursday sent the case back to Marion County Circuit Court for further proceedings. District Attorney Walt Beglau has not announced whether he will seek the death penalty for Langley. Because four of the sitting justices have worked for the Oregon Department of Justice, which represents the state in death-penalty cases, they did not take part in Thursday’s decision. The three remaining justices were joined by a retired justice and a Court of Appeals judge to decide the case.

State Supreme Court overturns death sentence against Robert Langley for fourth time

State Supreme Court overturns death sentence against Robert Langley

The Oregon Supreme Court for the fourth time has overturned a death sentence for Robert Paul Langley Jr., finding that a judge should not have forced the convicted murderer to represent himself before jurors determining his punishment. The decision marks the latest setback for prosecutors who have pressed to execute Langley -- and persuaded four juries to hand down Oregon's harshest sentence -- over more than two decades.

OADP Oregonian Column: Kitzhaber's invitation to listen as well as talk

Kitzhaber's invitation to listen as well as talk about the death penalty

Gov. Kitzhaber has invited Oregonians into thoughtful conversation. The hiatus in executions gives us time to talk and listen to each other. Disapproving reaction focuses on two concerns. One is gubernatorial powers in our democracy. The other is the death penalty. Support for the death penalty seems to be based primarily (and circularly) on the fact that Oregonians support it, and beliefs that it provides just deserts for the heinous crimes of remorseless killers, it keeps us safe , and it comforts victims' families. These positions reveal legitimate desires to prohibit murder, uphold democracy, foster public safety, and vindicate the suffering of survivors of those lost to violence.

Oregon Legislator: Debating capital punishment: We can be tough on crime without the death penalty

Last week Gov. John Kitzhaber made a controversial decision to issue a reprieve for condemned inmate Gary Haugen and charged the Legislature with taking up capital punishment in 2013. As a staunch supporter of Measure 11 and other tough-on-crime legislation, I surprised many in my Republican caucus by supporting the governor's decision.

Sister Helen Prejean: No better place than Oregon

 Sister Helen Prejean

Last week, Oregon’s governor, John Kitzhaber, took a stance for life. He refused to sign the death warrant for Gary Haugin and then he went further. He said no to any more executions on his watch. He’d allowed two executions to proceed in his earlier terms as governor, but as he said:

Oregonian OpEd: Capital punishment in Oregon: Kitzhaber should commute all death sentences

Sunday, Nov. 27  Oregon's governor, John Kitzhaber, stopped the impending execution of two-time convicted killer Gary Haugen, granting a "temporary reprieve ... for the duration of my term in office." Haugen's death sentence had been the subject of extensive review and the prisoner himself had argued that he should die. The governor should either have allowed execution to proceed or commuted the sentence. He did neither, treating the prisoner, the victims' families, and the dozens of court and prison officials in this case with cruel irresponsibility.

Oregonian Editorial Board: A reprieve for Gary Haugen, a challenge to Oregonians

Kitzhaber issued a temporary reprieve of the execution of Gary Haugen

Listening to death row inmate Gary Haugen and Gov. John Kitzhaber expound on Oregon's death penalty, it sounds almost as though all this is between them, the two-time murderer ready to accept his punishment, and the three-term governor who can't bring himself to allow another execution under his watch. There is someone else involved here: You. What do you think? Is Oregon's death penalty system truly "broken," "inequitable" and "compromised," as Kitzhaber insisted Tuesday while announcing his decision to issue a temporary reprieve and block the scheduled Dec. 6 execution of Haugen?

Govern Kitzhaber: A flawed process: Why execution was prevented

By Gov. John Kitzhaber - Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - On Tuesday, I made the decision to stop an execution from going forward. I want to share with Oregonians how and why I came to that decision.

There have been two executions in our state since 1984. Both of them occurred during my first administration, one in 1996 and the other in 1997. I allowed those sentences to be carried out despite my opposition to the death penalty. I was torn between my person convictions about the morality of capital punishment and my oath to uphold the Oregon Constitution.

OADP Pleased That Study of the Death Penalty Will Continue

Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (OADP)

Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (OADP) applauds the decision of Governor John Kitzhaber to halt the scheduled execution of Gary Haugen and his call for a full examination of the Oregon death penalty

This action, while courageous on the part of Governor Kitzhaber, also is in line with movement across this country for states to either repeal their death penalty, lessen the use of the death penalty and / or create opportunities to study the death penalty. Governor Kitzhaber has shown great leadership with this announcement.

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