There is great news coming from the state of New Mexico this week. Today, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will be signing into a law a ban on the use of the death penalty. Although the state has only executed one person since 1960, the change marks an important success in the battle against capital punishment.  As a Catholic campus, Santa Clara University School of Law has a long history in opposing the death penalty and is the home of the Death Penalty College, a resource for legal professionals who defend clients charged with capital offenses.

New Mexico governor abolishes capital punishment -- Associated Press (wire service)

U.S. Bishops urger New Mexico governor to sign repeal of the death penalty -- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops