A Kansas Memory Podcast

Capital Punishment in Kansas

The documents used in the Capital Punishment podcast are available on

• Message to the House of Representatives of the State of Kansas
  Governor Joan Finney of Topeka, Kansas, writes the State House of Representatives, also of Topeka, to explain her position on House Bill 2578. The bill reinstated the death penalty in Kansas for the crime of capital murder, as defined in the bill. Though opposed to capital punishment, Finney allowed the bill to become law without her signature.
• Governor Edward W. Hoch to Governor Fletcher D. Procter
  Kansas Governor Edward W. Hoch of Topeka responds to a request by Vermont Governor Fletcher D. Procter of Montpelier for information on Kansas laws concerning capital punishment. Hoch states that Kansas laws allow for the death penalty but requires an order from the Governor. Hoch states his opposition to capital punishment and his belief that no Kansas Governor has ever issued an execution order [under this law], and that no Governor ever will.
• Warden Amrine's statement upon resignation from the Kansas State Penitentiary
  Milton F. Amrine, Warden of the Kansas State Penitentiary at Lansing, Kansas, presents Governor Andrew F. Schoeppel's office, of Topeka, with his statement of resignation. Amrine resigned due to his strong opposition to capital punishment and this statement outlines the reasons for his opposition.