Founded in 1988, Death Penalty Focus is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the nation dedicated to educating the public about capital punishment. We believe that the death penalty is an ineffective, cruel, and simplistic response to the serious and complex problem of violent crime. It institutionalizes discrimination against the poor and people of color, diverts attention and financial resources away from preventative measures that would actually increase public safety, risks the execution of innocent people, and does not deter crime. We are convinced that when the electorate is informed about the true human and financial costs associated with state-sanctioned killing, the United States will join the majority of nations throughout the world who have abolished it. Death Penalty Focus has eleven active volunteer chapters in California and more than 25,000 members and supporters nationwide.

DPF sponsors research projects and opinion polls, organizes year-round public education and professional media campaigns, and develops conferences, seminars and workshops. DPF publishes and distributes a variety of publications and manages an interactive website. Our newsletter The Sentry and our monthly email bulletins provide comprehensive information on current death penalty news. DPF distributes thousands of pieces of educational materials each year, available in both English and Spanish, and has developed an educational curriculum for high school teachers interested in discussing the death penalty with their students. DPF produces and aggressively disseminates opinion editorials, letters to the editor, press releases and reports to newspapers. Board members and staff participate in hundreds of radio, television, and print interviews each year. DPF mobilizes death penalty opposition by organizing educational events, rallies, vigils and other public demonstrations.