Quinn Makes It Official, Signs Death Penalty Repeal

By Chuck Sudo in News on Mar 9, 2011 6:40PM

Gov. Quinn just signed the death penalty repeal into law a few moments ago, saying it wasn't a decision that he made lightly.

"Since our experience has shown that there is no way to design a perfect death penalty system, free from the numerous flaws that can lead to wrongful convictions or discriminatory treatment, I have concluded that the proper course of action is to abolish it," Quinn wrote. "With our broken system, we cannot ensure justice is achieved in every case."

Quinn also commuted the sentences of the 15 prisoners currently on Death Row in Illinois to life in prison without parole. Quinn is now taking questions from the press and you can watch live here.

UPDATE: Here's Quinn's official statement on the signing.