Kentucky Attorney General Pushes to Lift 15-Year Ban on Death Penalty

Coleman argues that justice has been 'tragically delayed' for victims' families

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:00pm

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A photorealistic painting of a Kentucky state flag hanging on a flagpole, the fabric illuminated by warm, directional sunlight and cast in deep shadows, conveying a sense of political unease and unresolved legal matters.The Attorney General's fight to lift Kentucky's death penalty ban reflects the state's ongoing struggle to deliver justice for victims' families.Hazard Today

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman is fighting to dismiss a 2006 court case that has blocked the state from carrying out executions for the past 15 years. Coleman argued in court on Monday that the dismissal would clear the way for about a dozen executions, including the case of Ralph Baze, who was sentenced to death 30 years ago for the 1992 murders of two law enforcement officers.

Why it matters

The death penalty has been a contentious political issue in Kentucky, with supporters arguing it provides justice for victims' families and opponents citing concerns about its fairness and effectiveness. The Attorney General's push to lift the longstanding ban has reignited the debate around capital punishment in the state.

The details

In 2006, a court case led to an injunction that has prevented Kentucky from carrying out executions for the past 15 years. On Monday, the Attorney General's office argued in court to dismiss this case, which would clear the way for about a dozen executions, including the case of Ralph Baze. Baze was sentenced to death in 1992 for the murders of Powell County Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Arthur Briscoe, but has remained on death row due to the injunction.

  • In 1992, Ralph Baze was sentenced to death for the murders of Sheriff Bennett and Deputy Briscoe.
  • In 2006, a court case led to an injunction that has prevented Kentucky from carrying out executions for the past 15 years.
  • On Monday, the Attorney General's office argued in court to dismiss the 2006 case.

The players

Russell Coleman

The Attorney General of Kentucky who is fighting to lift the 15-year ban on the death penalty in the state.

Ralph Baze

A man sentenced to death in 1992 for the murders of two law enforcement officers, who has remained on death row due to the 2006 injunction.

Steve Bennett

The Powell County Sheriff who was murdered by Ralph Baze in 1992.

Arthur Briscoe

The Powell County Deputy who was murdered by Ralph Baze in 1992.

Bobby Motley

A retired KSP detective who investigated the 1992 murders of Sheriff Bennett and Deputy Briscoe.

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What they’re saying

“I am standing here today as the attorney general of this commonwealth to tell victims and surviving families that they are not forgotten. Justice has been tragically delayed, but we're fighting hard to make sure it is not denied.”

— Russell Coleman, Attorney General of Kentucky

“From the moment handcuffs were put on him, Ralph Baze never disputed his involvement and never showed remorse. Ralph Baze was sentenced to death twice, once for each of the lives he had taken. I'm grateful for Attorney General Coleman and all those who have done their part to deliver long overdue justice.”

— Bobby Motley, Retired KSP detective

“Our commonwealth promised to deliver justice to the families of Sheriff Bennett and Deputy Briscoe. It's time for the governor to fulfill that commitment. I'm proud to join Attorney General Coleman in this fight for Kentucky law enforcement and families. The AG's strong leadership has brought this delay to light and will, hopefully, make justice a reality.”

— Brandon Smith, State Senator, R-Hazard

What’s next

A Franklin Circuit Court judge will rule on the Attorney General's motion to dismiss the 2006 case that has blocked executions in Kentucky.

The takeaway

The Attorney General's push to lift the 15-year ban on the death penalty in Kentucky has reignited the longstanding debate over capital punishment in the state, with supporters arguing it provides justice for victims' families and opponents raising concerns about fairness and effectiveness.