Help Stop a “Fast-Track” Death Penalty Rule
🚨 Take Action: Stop a Dangerous “Fast-Track” Death Penalty Rule
A little-known federal proposal could quietly gut critical safeguards in death penalty cases.
We have a short window to stop it — and your voice matters.
Right now, a rule proposal from the Trump administration could undermine one of the most important protections in death penalty cases. We’re working with partners across the country to stop it — and we need you with us.
⚖️ What’s Happening?
The proposal, misleadingly titled “Certification Process for State Capital Counsel Systems,” would allow states to “opt in” to a fast-track system for death penalty appeals.
In reality, it would slash the time people have to challenge their convictions — cutting critical review periods in half. We already know that Florida doesn’t need help speeding up executions, and this rule would make it even harder for people to receive critical due process.
❗ Why This Matters
Appeals are where:
- Wrongful convictions are uncovered
- Inadequate defense is exposed
- Courts catch mistakes trials miss
Rushing this process increases the risk of irreversible error.
📍 Florida’s Reality
Florida already leads the nation in executions in recent years — and in death row exonerations.
This rule would make a dangerous system even more error-prone.
What This Rule Would Do
- ❌ Make it harder to prove innocence
- ❌ Limit access to qualified attorneys
- ❌ Allow constitutional violations to go uncorrected
- ❌ Increase costly, rushed litigation
It does nothing to improve public safety.
⏳ Take Action Now
The Department of Justice is accepting public comments until May 15. This is our chance to stop this rule.
📝 Sample Comment
I strongly oppose this rule, which would make it easier for the U.S. Attorney General to fast-track executions while stripping away critical legal safeguards. We know this system makes irreversible mistakes – more than 200 people have been exonerated from death row. Due process and federal appeals are not technicalities; they are the last line of defense against executing innocent people. Eliminating these protections increases the risk of a fatal error. I oppose any effort to rush executions at the expense of constitutional rights and human life.
💬 Make It Personal
Add a few lines about:
- Your connection to the issue
- Why you oppose the death penalty (risk of error, racism, impact on families)
- The cost involved in death penalty cases
- The strain that speeding up appeals would put on the courts
- Your profession or faith perspective
- Why this doesn’t make communities safer
Need more ideas?
Our partners at The US Campaign to End the Death Penalty have additional guidance, messaging tips, and background information to help you write a powerful comment.
📣 Help Stop This
Share this page — the more voices speak up, the harder this is to ignore.