How to Help Someone on Death Row

There is typically a lengthy period (usually 10 years, at least) between sentencing and the condemned prisoner's execution. Many people are involved in the life of someone on death row. Assistance for an inmate is available through the legal system with appeals, family members for support and chaplains for spiritual guidance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Learn About Death Row

1. Understand the timeline for appeals and other proceedings. Each state and federal jurisdiction has specific guidelines protecting a prisoner's legal rights. Check with the attorney general's office in your state for detailed information.
2. Utilize the services of a prison chaplain or the inmate's spiritual advisor. Making peace with death is crucial for someone awaiting execution.
3. Visit as often as possible. Know how much visitation time is allowed and make the most of it; family members are usually given top priority.
4. Continue efforts to change the sentence. Visit the Web site of the American Civil Liberties Union for information on the Capital Punishment Project and how it can help (see Resources below).
5. Alert the appropriate attorneys of any information that might help in the appeals process.

Stay Available

6. Get involved. A number of prisoners on death row have been released based on new evidence such as DNA testing. If someone you care about is facing execution, let them know you believe in them and will closely monitor every step of the legal proceedings.
7. Assure the condemned that you will continue the fight for their exoneration, if you truly believe in their innocence. Don't commit to something you have no intention of completing.
8. Stay in touch.
9. Tell the prisoner you're willing to be there to the end, even if all appeals are denied. Just knowing that someone cares can be a source of comfort.

Tips & Warnings

• Obey the prison rules. If you are banned from visiting someone on death row, you will be limited in what you can do to help.
• Prisoners have the right to practice their religion.
• When you make the determination to help someone on death row, you're making a commitment that may adversely affect your psychological well-being. You must consider the emotional cost of supporting someone facing execution, as well as the financial involvement.