Series II. Subseries E. Execution Files, 1908-1970.

Containers:

Box 372-384.

Scope and content:

This subseries is housed in thirteen boxes and one volume and is arranged numerically by file number. In 1908 the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation stating that all executions would occur at the Penitentiary by means of electrocution. Between October 1908 and March 1962, Virginia executed 236 people. In 1972 the United States Supreme Court ruled the death penalty unconstitutional on grounds that the death penalty was administered too arbitrarily (Furman v. Georgia). The same court in 1976 ruled that Georgia's new law for capital cases removed the administration issues raised in the Furman decision. Virginia resumed executions in 1982. These records documents Virginia's executions between 1908 and 1962. These records include correspondence, court orders and records, lists of witnesses, newspaper clippings, photographs and negatives, prisoner records (including personal data), respites and telegrams. Also included is one box of records (b384) containing files for prisoners not executed (stay of execution, sentenced reversed on appeal). Photographs for the first 60 prisoners executed are located in Series II. Prisoner Records, Subseries B. Photographs and Negatives (b19).

Access and use

Contents