New York Times Opinion LETTER Race and the Death Penalty A sociologist says racial prejudice is “a strong predictor” of whites’ support for capital punishment. April 9, 2019 Since Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order placing a moratorium on capital punishment in March, Democratic candidates for president have lined up to support it. Credit: Rich Pedroncelli/Associated read more Barkan featured in New York Times Letters to the Editor