Death penalty moratorium

Attorney General Eric Holder expressed “personal” support for a moratorium on the death penalty as the Supreme Court is tasked with considering whether or not the lethal injection in unconstitutional. Holder stressed that his support is strictly personal, and does not reflect the views of the Obama Administration. Speaking at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Holder said:

“I think fundamental questions about the death penalty need to be asked. And among them, the Supreme Court’s determination as to whether or not lethal injection is consistent with our Constitution is one that ought to occur. From my perspective, I think a moratorium until the Supreme Court made that determination would be appropriate.”

Holder does not hide his opposition to the death penalty, but has in the past authorized federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in high profile cases such as accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

Eric Holder Backs Nationwide Death Penalty Moratorium