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Polunsky Unit

Ivan Cantu in a white jumpsuit in front of a metal screen

Ivan Cantu Is Set to Be Executed. But Did He Get a Fair Trial?

So far, Texas courts have refused to hear new legal arguments that could support the Dallas man’s innocence.

by Michelle Pitcher

Keep Reading

The 10 Best Observer Stories of 2016: ‘No Place for Old Men’

by Forrest Wilder

No Place for Old Men

by Dick J. Reavis

Letters from Death Row: The Biology of Trauma

by Alex Hannaford

Jun 12, 2015

Letters from Death Row: Faith Behind Bars

An informal Observer survey finds complex religious beliefs among death row inmates.

by Alex Hannaford

Mar 16, 2015

Letters from Death Row: Alone on the Inside

In an informal Observer survey, death row inmates describe a world of extreme isolation, where mental illness is both cause and symptom.

by Alex Hannaford

Jan 09, 2015

Letters from Death Row: Books Behind Bars

by Alex Hannaford

Inside this month's print issue

Editor’s Letter: Introducing Our May/June 2025 Issue

A note from the editor-in-chief

Keep Reading

The Magazine

Solitary Men

Does prolonged isolation drive death row prisoners insane?

by Dave Mann

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