The Center for Death Penalty Litigation
Legal ServicesNorth Carolina, United States11-50 Employees
Based in Durham, North Carolina, The Center for Death Penalty Litigation operates in the legal services sector with a focus on capital punishment. The organization brings together mitigation specialists, attorneys, and other professionals who advocate for the humanity of individuals involved in death penalty cases. Beyond its casework, the organization engages in education and advocacy around racial fairness in the capital punishment system, including initiatives such as Racist Roots that examine the origins and impacts of the death penalty. It has been recognized for its equity-focused work, receiving awards such as the Equity Award in 2022. In September 2025, longtime executive director Gretchen Engel retired after 33 years with the organization.