Could Arizona Eliminate The Death Penalty?

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - 2:24pm
Updated: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - 3:22pm
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Arizona Department of Corrections
Arizona began executing death-row inmates by lethal injection in 1993.

Nebraska lawmakers passed a bill last week to abolish the death penalty with a veto-proof 32-15 majority. But Gov. Pete Ricketts vetoed that bill.

Lawmarkers overrode Ricketts' veto on Wednesday by a 30-19 vote.

Could Arizona act to eliminate capital punishment?

We asked Elizabeth Ortiz, executive director of the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys Advisory Council and Dan Peitzmeyer of the grass-roots group Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona.

Photos: Arizona's Death Row

  • Most inmates on death row in Arizona are housed at the Browning Unit at Arizona State Prison Complex–Eyman.
    (Photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Corrections)
  • A corrections officer delivers food to Arizona inmates on death row.
    (Photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Corrections)
  • A guard station inside the Browning Unit.
    (Photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Corrections)
  • Outside the injection room at Arizona State Prison Complex-Florence.
    (Photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Corrections)
  • A view from the viewing area outside the injection room in Florence, Arizona.
    Arizona Department of Corrections
  • Inside the lethal injection room in Florence, Arizona.
    (Photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Corrections)
  • Arizona began executing death-row inmates by lethal injection in 1993.
    Arizona Department of Corrections