We want to thank the more than 250 ACLU members and supporters from throughout the Chicagoland area who joined us last night at Northwestern Law School for the special screening of At the Death House Door, a new documentary film focusing on the death penalty. I had the honor of delivering the welcome remarks on behalf of the ACLU, and it was an amazing scene to observe: nearly 700 folks packed into the theater and opposed to the continuation of our current, discriminatory death penalty system.

Watching the film, it was impossible not to be moved by the simple dignity and decency of Reverend PIckett, who served as chaplain to more than 90 executions in Huntsville, Texas prison famously known as "The Walls." It also was incredible to see the dogged determination of Steve Mills and Maurice Possley of the Chicago Tribune, who are featured in the film tracking down the details of a Texas inmate executed for a crime he likely did not commit.

One question that came up after the film screening was "What next?" To the ACLU of Illinois, the answer is simple, First, we must continue to make our case to elected officials in Illinois that the death penalty system is too flawed, too arbitrary and too discriminatory to continue. Equally important, we must demand that local officials -- especially states attorneys -- know that we believe that a system that takes life must first give justice. Prosecutorial abuse simply must not be tolerated in our state.

Again, thanks to everyone who came out last night. If you could not be with us, you can find the film on the Independent Film Channel.

Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy

Update:(From Allie Carter, Senior Field Manager) Learn more at the ACLU's Capitol Punishment Project.