The Boston Bar Association announced today that, for the first time in its 250-year history, the organization is taking a stand against the death penalty in federal cases.
The announcement comes after a panel chaired by retired Superior Court Judge Margaret R. Hinkle and Foley Hoag partner Martin F. Murphy conducted a study on the issue, and just weeks before federal prosecutors are required to inform U.S District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. whether they intend to seek the death penalty against accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
In today’s podcast, BBA President Paul T. Dacier explains the reasons for his organization’s decision and the role the Tsarnaev case played in it.