Watkins serves on panel about death penalty

Staff report

COLUMBUS

Dennis Watkins, Trumbull County prosecutor, has been named to a task force asked to review the state’s death-penalty law.

The task force is a joint effort between the Ohio Supreme Court and Ohio State Bar Association and meets for the first time Thursday.

The group of 20 judges, prosecuting and defense attorneys and lawmakers will meet at the Ohio State Bar Association offices in Columbus.

“The Joint Task Force will examine the current laws on the subject and the practices in other jurisdictions,” Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said.

“It will review and identify areas in need of action and recommend the course of action. The task force will not decide whether Ohio should or should not have the death penalty. It will not be on the table for discussion.”

Once the task force develops a comprehensive set of recommendations over the course of several meetings, members will give their proposals next year to the state for consideration. The only other prosecuting attorney on the panel is Joseph T. Deters of Hamilton County.