| Year of Reenactment
(since 1972 suspension) |
1974 | |
| Year of First Execution
(since reenactment) |
1999 | |
| History
|
1835-1895: hanging |
|
| Current Method
|
lethal injection | |
 |
|
|
Ohio has life without parole. A jury decides the sentence. The Governor has the authority to grant clemency. All recommendations must be referred to the Adult Parole Authority for investigation and non-binding recommendation. The Governor cannot pardon those convicted of first degree murder unless innocence is established beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ohio had its first execution in over 35 years when Wilford Berry was executed
by lethal injection in 1999. Berry had waived his appeals and fired
the attorneys who were trying to prevent his execution. There was considerable evidence that Berry
was suffering from severe mental illness.
In December 2001, Cinicinnati voted in favor of a resolution suspending executions in Ohio.
