A History of Abolition and Reflection

Michigan holds a unique place in history as the first English-speaking government to abolish the death penalty for ordinary crimes. This landmark decision, made by the state legislature in 1846, marked the beginning of a progressive stance against capital punishment. While the death penalty remained on the books for treason until 1963, Michigan has not executed anyone since it achieved statehood in 1837.

A Brief History of Executions in Michigan

From its earliest days as part of New France to its time under British and U.S. jurisdiction, Michigan saw 13 executions between 1683 and 1836. Notable cases include:

  • Folle-Avoine: The first person executed in Michigan, an Indigenous man.
  • Ann Wyley: A Black enslaved woman executed in 1777 during the British colonial period.
  • Stephen Gifford Simmons: A tavern keeper convicted of murdering his wife in 1830, marking the last execution under Michigan law.

Shifting Perspectives

Public sentiment toward capital punishment began shifting in the 19th century, influenced by wrongful convictions like that of Patrick Fitzpatrick in Ontario. In 1831, Territorial Governor Lewis Cass urged lawmakers to reconsider the necessity of the death penalty, laying the groundwork for abolition.

By 1846, under leaders like Senator Flavius Littlejohn and Representative Austin Blair, Michigan eliminated the death penalty for first-degree murder, replacing it with life imprisonment without parole.

Federal Death Penalty Cases in Michigan

Though Michigan abolished its death penalty, federal law allowed for its enforcement within state borders in specific cases:

  • Tony Chebatoris (1938): Executed for a federal crime committed during a bank robbery.
  • Marvin Gabrion (2002): Convicted under federal jurisdiction for a murder on federal land. He was the first person sentenced to death in a non-death-penalty state since 1988.

A Lasting Legacy

Michigan’s abolition of capital punishment stands as a testament to its progressive legal history. Today, Michigan remains one of only three U.S. states, along with Alaska and Hawaii, to never have executed anyone after joining the Union.