On Monday, February 10th, Governor Landry announced implementation of a new execution protocol. This decision comes as no surprise to the Office of the State Public Defender or to the lawyers who represent these individuals, and we have been preparing for this moment.
As I have stated publicly on numerous occasions, I am adamantly opposed to the death penalty in all cases. My reasons are not merely religious or personal, but also firmly grounded on the years of data indicating that the death penalty is too costly. My office has spent at least $7.7 million per year meeting its constitutional obligations defending death penalty cases. This does not include additional costs borne by District Attorneys, local courts, law enforcement, and municipalities. Once convicted and sentenced, the Department of Corrections expends additional resources to house the condemned. Resuming executions will undoubtedly increase the expenditure of every entity involved. Its usage redirects state and local government resources that would be much better utilized in other areas that make communities safer. The death penalty only serves to champion retribution.
The appellate and post-conviction attorneys who I have appointed will zealously and vigorously defend the rights of each and every person facing execution. This will likely diminish the resources my office would otherwise use to supplement district offices.
Louisiana needs a criminal justice system that it can pay for. Investments in known drivers which decrease criminogenic behavior such as education and job training, easily accessible treatment of mental health and substance abuse disorders, and affordable housing will have a greater impact on reducing crime and recidivism, while also likely being less expensive than our current punishment-first model. Just as it is impossible for Louisiana to incarcerate itself out of these problems, it cannot execute its way out either.