Richard Dieter
Richard Dieter
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Richard A. Dieter was a renowned American lawyer and expert on the death penalty.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: December 5, 1947
Died: February 8, 2013
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession(s): Lawyer, Expert on the Death Penalty
Early Life and Background
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Richard Dieter was born in Buffalo, New York. He developed an interest in law at a young age and went on to study at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. Dieter later attended Harvard Law School, earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Major Accomplishments
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Dieter was appointed as the Executive Director of the Death Penalty Information Center in 1990 and served in this position until his passing in 2013. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in advocating for a more informed public discussion on capital punishment. Dieter's work helped to shed light on the complexities and issues surrounding the death penalty.
Notable Works or Actions
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Dieter was instrumental in organizing conferences and seminars that brought together experts from various fields to discuss the death penalty. He also provided testimony before state legislatures, advocating for reforms aimed at reducing the number of executions and improving the fairness of capital punishment systems. In addition, Dieter wrote several articles and book chapters on the topic, offering insightful analysis and commentary.
Impact and Legacy
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Dieter's work significantly contributed to a shift in public opinion regarding the death penalty. As a result of his efforts, many states have reformed their capital punishment laws or abolished them altogether. His dedication and expertise helped to ensure that debates around the death penalty are informed by accurate information and data.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Dieter is widely remembered for his tireless advocacy work on behalf of those impacted by the death penalty. As a renowned expert, he was frequently quoted in news outlets and academic publications. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of advocates working towards a more just and equitable society.
Throughout his career, Dieter demonstrated unwavering commitment to using law as a tool for social change. His dedication to advancing human rights and reducing executions serves as an enduring example for anyone seeking to make a positive impact in their community. As a pioneer in the field of death penalty reform, Richard Dieter's influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
As we reflect on his life and work, it is clear that Dieter's impact extends far beyond his own time. His efforts have helped shape the national conversation around capital punishment and paved the way for ongoing reforms. By sharing Dieter's story, we can draw inspiration from his unwavering dedication and continued commitment to creating a more just society.
Quotes by Richard Dieter

The court may be willing to broaden what can be considered as a civil rights claim.

You want to put on a case that enables the jury to see the humanity of this person.

I don't think most people want it to be a big display again. People are just as happy not to see it.

If you find an innocent man who has been executed, that's a final nail through that.


It's just an unsolvable kind of problem. We're never going to have a carefree system of painless executions.

This is a proper action for the governor to take. It's not right to shy away from a difficult question or even shy away from reopening cases when there is a chance that something new might be learned.


These cases are not yet a trend of where things are going. The meatier issues are still unpredictable at this point.
