Criminal Law Reform

Ending Indefinite Solitary Confinement for the Vast Majority of People with Death Sentences in Oklahoma

After years of working collaboratively with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, we are proud to announce the end of indefinite solitary confinement for the vast majority of people incarcerated with death sentences in Oklahoma.

By Travis Handler

Latest Event


Not in My Name Coalition Meeting

Every Oklahoman must ask themselves not whether they support the death penalty, but rather: Do I trust the government with the power to kill its citizens—especially after catastrophic failures in the recent past?

Oklahoma's criminal legal system has failed to protect the innocent, those with serious mental health conditions, and individuals who have suffered adverse childhoods from execution. We cannot allow this to continue! Capital Punishment is racist, arbitrary, costly, and error-prone. It is time to end the death penalty once and for all.

The mission of the Not in My Name Coalition is to raise awareness, educate, and mobilize individuals and groups to take a stand against the use of capital punishment in the state of Oklahoma. Through our efforts, we strive to foster a culture of empathy by validating the humanity of people incarcerated on death row and advocating for their fundamental rights. Together, we declare, Not in My Name: we stand against the ultimate and irreversible act of state-sanctioned violence. Join the fight to end the death penalty in Oklahoma by becoming part of the Not in My Name Coalition. As a member, you will be informed of local events and rallies, gain a space to organize, and join a network of dedicated individuals who are committed to the work alongside you. Sign up now!

Capital Punishment

More from the Press


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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Getting to Know Kendrick Simpson on Death Row

I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the next man Oklahoma plans to kill, Kendrick Simpson. Kendrick and I have visited down on death row many times as I’ve worked with my colleagues and with Kendrick to improve conditions for all the guys on death row. It’s been a privilege to get to know Kendrick and, since you don’t have the same opportunity, I’d like to share my experience with you.

By Randy Bauman

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Oklahoma Legislature Midsession Review 2023

In the face of continued discrimination in our state, we celebrated amazing wins for the rights of many Oklahomans. As these laws become closer to reality, we will continue to track these bills in the Capitol and brace to defend our civil liberties after this session adjourns.

By Cindy Nguyen

Light blue background, Oklahoma Capitol Rotunda

Felony Murder and Mass Incarceration

Felony murder charges directly contribute to mass incarceration. Given that OK consistently ranks in the top 3 incarcerators in the nation, with rates even higher than the US as a whole, it is imperative legislators consider the felony murder doctrine in conversations about criminal justice reform.

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OK Felony Murder Doctrine

The Breakdown: Week of March 7, 2022

The ACLU OK Oklahoma's weekly policy and advocacy newsletter.

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The Breakdown: Week of February 28, 2022

The ACLU OK Oklahoma's weekly policy and advocacy newsletter.

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The Breakdown: Week of February 21, 2022

The ACLU OK Oklahoma's weekly policy and advocacy newsletter.

Oklahoma Capitol Dome Image

The Breakdown: Week of February 14, 2022

The ACLU OK Oklahoma's weekly policy and advocacy newsletter.

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No New Crimes, No New Fines

What We’re Asking from the Oklahoma Legislature in 2021 and Beyond

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Criminal Justice Reform is in Our Hands: We Have A Chance for Change With SQ 805

On November 3, Oklahomans will have their final opportunity to lend their vote to meaningful criminal justice reform this cycle by voting Yes on State Question 805. As is often the case for criminal justice reform in Oklahoma, opposition to this modest reform has been rife with misinformation, and rooted in the idea that somehow a state who has managed to incarcerate people at the highest rates in the world to the detriment of our public safety is doing justice. 

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Yes on State Question 805