Ohio's top judge calls for death-penalty review

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s top judge is creating a committee to review the state’s death-penalty law and determine if changes should be made.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor says the panel won’t debate whether Ohio should have capital punishment but if the current system is working as well as it should.

Justice O’Connor, a Republican and former prosecutor, said in a speech today that the goal will be assuring the death penalty is administered in the most fair, efficient, and judicious manner possible.

The 20-member committee will consist of judges, prosecuting attorneys, criminal defense lawyers, lawmakers and academic experts.