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.

Protecting Students' Free Speech: Anthony Romero's Message to Graduates

In his City College commencement speech, Anthony Romero urged graduates to champion free speech and open dialogue on campus.

Anthony Romero giving the commencement speech at the Colin Powell School of City College of New York.

Anti-Abortion Extremists Want to Use the 150-Year-Old Comstock Act to Ban Abortion Nationwide

The dangerous legal theory endorsed by one of Trump's top anti-abortion strategists

A protest sign that says Stop the Bans.

The Long History of Discrimination in Job Hiring Assessments

Job hiring assessments can unfairly discriminate against individuals based on their protected characteristics. We outline how to strive for a future where skills and potential, not bias, determines our opportunities.

Person applying for a job online.

A Comic That Illustrates the Fight to Protect Free Speech on Campus

Nowhere is free speech more important than on university campuses. These comics explore why student activism must be protected from censorship and government interference.

An illustration of a woman wearing a hijab in front of a megaphone.

Eight Supreme Court Cases To Watch

This term, the Court will rule in cases addressing reproductive rights, gun control, social media regulation and more hot-button issues.

An external shot of the U.S. Supreme Court.

States Dust Off Obscure Anti-Mask Laws to Target Pro-Palestine Protesters

In today’s world of constant surveillance, people protesting should have the right to wear a mask

Masked Pro-Palestine students being arrested by NYPD.

A Mistake Shouldn’t Mean Exile or Prolonged Mandatory Detention

Nyynkpao Banyee arrived in the U.S. as a child refugee from Côte D’Ivoire in 2004. Despite his deep roots in the U.S., he is facing mandatory immigration detention and possible deportation from his family and the only home he has known.

The silhouette of a hand holding on to a gate.

The Painful Reality of Being an Incarcerated Mother

This Mother’s Day, let’s not forget incarcerated women, and let’s get them home to their families.

An individual holing on to prison bars.

Remembering Joann Bell

The ACLU of Oklahoma is deeply saddened to share the passing of former executive director and lifelong defender of civil liberties, Joann Bell.

Little Axe parents and plaintiffs Joann Bell, left, and Lucille McCord, right, along with their ACLU volunteer attorney, Micheal Salem, Norman, will receive the Angie Debo Civil Liberties Award for 1983.