ABILENE, Kan. -  Capital punishment has been a tool of the justice system in America since colonial times when North America was first settled by Europeans. Since those early days nearly 13,000 have been legally put to death.  

A panel discussion to explore both sides of this controversial topic will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 20 in the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum Visitors Center Auditorium. The public meeting was organized by the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty and is part of the ongoing Kansas Town Hall series, which seeks to increase citizen participation and encourage Kansans to engage in important policy issues.

Thea Nietfeld from K-State's Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy will moderate the panel discussion. Speaking against the death penalty is Abilene-area attorney Autumn Fox. The pro-justice view will be represented by Assistant County Attorney for Dickinson County Daryl Hawkins. Nietfeld has moderated several controversial issues for the Kansas Town Hall program and has a Masters in Labor Relations and a Masters of Divinity. Her primary areas of work include alternative dispute resolution, peace building, democratization and organizational development.

Those attending this program are encouraged to park in the Place of Meditation parking lot, just south of the Visitors Center. The main parking lot is scheduled to be closed for repairs. 

Kansas Town Hall Partners:
Eagle Communications