Should Pennsylvania’s Death Penalty Remain in Effect?

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Philadelphia’s top prosecutor and the state district attorneys’ association are staking out opposing positions in a case to determine if Pennsylvania’s death penalty will remain in effect. District Attorney Larry Krasner says the state’s death penalty runs afoul of the prohibition on cruel punishment and disproportionately applies to black defendants and the poor. The Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association argues the justices should respect the Legislature’s role in establishing state law.