While there are differences in views among members as to whether the death penalty is justified in any circumstances, the members of NVES [sic, now NoVES] authorize the Board to take positions on behalf of NVES [sic] expressing concern on the pernicious racial and economic bias in the application of the death penalty. To the extent there is a death penalty, we urge that minimum chronological and mental age limits be established, and that the state take responsibility for providing adequate legal assistance to allow all prisoners to take full advantage of their rights of appeal.

December 10, 1989