WHO: American University School of Communication professors Richard Stack and Maggie Stogner
WHAT: AU experts available to discuss capital punishment on the ballot this election day as well as the future of the death penalty in California, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
WHEN: November 8, 2016
WHERE: Phone, Skype or in-person interviews
Contact: Ericka Acosta, AU Communications, [email protected] or 202-885-5935 (office) or 202-500-1326 (cell)
November 08, 2016 (Washington, D.C.) – Today residents in California, Oklahoma and Nebraska vote on the death penalty. Even though public support for capital punishment has declined in recent years, the issue continues to be a point of contention. Some people advocate for its repeal and others push for its reinstatement. Professors Stack and Stogner are death penalty experts that can help answer questions about the rising exoneration rates, death penalty costs, and an increasing number of questions over whether the death penalty reduces crime. Both professors are well versed on California’s Proposition 62 & Proposition 66; Nebraska Referendum 426; Oklahoma State Question 776, and are available to discuss today's voting results.
In the Executioner's ShadowProfessor Stack and Stogner are the creators of an upcoming documentary on capital punishment titled, In the Executioner’s Shadow. The film shines a spotlight on wrongful convictions, botched executions, and questions our justice system as well as the value our country has on life. The documentary looks at arguments from advocates for its repeal and the other side that is pushing for its reinstatement.
The Executioner's Shadow takes viewers into the rarely seen world of death row and execution by following Jerry Givens, a former Virginia state executioner. It takes viewers to the trial of the Boston Marathon bomber and the internal struggle faced by Karen Brassard, who was injured in the attack. The Schieber family also appears, whose daughter was raped and killed. The family actually went against the prosecutor to fight for the life of their daughter’s murder.
About Stack & StognerRichard Stack is an associate professor within the School of Communication. His professional life is dedicated to social justice. Stack’s third book, "Dead Wrong: Violence, Vengeance, and the Victims of Capital Punishment," helped reframe national debate from: “Is the death penalty a deterrent to crime?” to, “Can we trust our government to make such irreversible life-and-death decisions, when it makes so many mistakes?” "Grave Injustice: Unearthing Wrongful Executions" [2013] takes the innocence argument further. It tells the stories of men who were executed even as serious doubt persists in their cases.
Maggie Stogner is an associate professor within the School of Communication. She is also the Executive Producer for the AU Center for Social Media and the Associate Director of the Center for Environmental Filmmaking. At National Geographic, she produced, directed and wrote numerous documentaries. Since 2005, she has worked as an independent filmmaker. Currently, Stogner is producing and directing, “In the Executioner’s Shadow” alongside Richard Stack. She is an expert in documentary filmmaking, museum exhibition media design and production, film production, documentary film and TV industry, independent filmmaking, visual media development and immersive storytelling.
To speak with Richard Stack or Maggie Stogner please contact Ericka Acosta, AU Communications, [email protected] or 202-885-5935.
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