Connecticut Gov. Malloy Signs Bill to Repeal Death Penalty

The Nutmeg State now joins 16 other states which have abolished the death penalty.

By Julianne Hing Apr 25, 2012

Today Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy signed a bill abolishing the death penalty in his state for future crimes. "Although it is an historic moment — Connecticut joins 16 other states and the rest of the industrialized world by taking this action — it is a moment for sober reflection, not celebration," Malloy said in a statement, [CNN](http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/justice/connecticut-death-penalty-law-repealed/index.html?hpt=hp_t1) reported. Malloy, a former prosecutor, said he signed the repeal in part because of the death penalty’s "unworkability." In the last five years, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Illinois have all abolished their death penalty policies, CNN reported. The compromise bill that Malloy signed states that people convicted of a capital offense will receive a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Connecticut still has 11 people on death row though, and the new law will not apply to them.