Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Voice Support for New Mexico Legislative Action To Outlaw Death Penalty

CONTACT: Deanna.Congileo@emory.edu

ATLANTA....Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, hailed the New Mexico legislature's actions to outlaw the death penalty in the state and bolster support for the families of crime victims in a letter to Governor Bill Richardson yesterday.

"Rosalynn and I applaud New Mexico's leadership regarding the death penalty and the rights of crime victims. The New Mexico Legislature's House Bills 285, 211, and 284 advance the challenge of how best to address society's most serious crimes, " the letter said.

The former president noted that the bills represent a comprehensive approach that supports families of crime victims, reduces for taxpayers the exorbitant costs of capital trials, and eliminates the risk of executing innocent defendants. The Carters encouraged the governor to support the legislation.

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"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers in developing nations to increase crop production. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.