Entries Tagged 'Death Penalty' ↓

More about this film here.

You can watch this online and they provide some great tools here.

Thanks Sarah for the heads up.

From The Washington Post

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced Tuesday that he is halting all executions until the Supreme Court decides whether lethal injection violates the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Kaine’s announcement came as he stayed the April 8 execution of Edward N. Bell, who killed a police officer in Winchester in 1999.

More here: http://www.civilrights.org/press_room/va-executions-are-put-on.html

GA Supreme Court Decision is ‘Simply Stunning;’ U.S. ‘Has Shrugged
 Off the Very Notion of Justice at Every Level’ in Davis Case
Amnesty International USA decried today’s Georgia Supreme Court decision to deny a new trial for Troy Anthony Davis, who has been on death row for more than 16 years despite significant concerns regarding his innocence. The human rights organization, which has collected more than 60,000 petition signatures while campaigning for Davis, said the ruling demonstrates a blatant disregard for justice, and asserted that the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles must grant clemency in his case.

Continue reading →

Announcement here.  Background here.

He, and his family, are dear friends of mine.  Keep him and justice in your thoughts.

Out of Tucson is another case of a victim’s family member not wanting the death penalty because they want to get on with their life. The prosecutor, Toni Schneider must want to play god more then seek justice for the victims family. Article here: The Tucson Citizen, February 13, 2008

“I don’t know why (prosecutors) don’t plead it out to life without parole,” Schneider said. “Hey, guys, bite the bullet. Things have changed. Let’s finish it off and not cost the state any more money.”  At Nordstrom’s sentencing, Schneider said, she vowed that her life would not be about him.

Dear Abolition Partners,

As you all know, Troy Davis’ stay of execution is for up to 90 days, but in reality we could have much less time than that. For those of you who have access to various email listserves or other outlets where actions can be disseminated, please pass along information and encourage your various groups to take action. The url to take action through Amnesty’s website, as well as find more background information, is below. I am also attaching a postcard signing action that can be used in large events, churches, etc. to garner signatures, as well as a template letter that people can sign on to.

Before the last hearing, on July 16th, Troy supporters delivered boxes filled with thousands of letters and petitions in support of clemency. This made a powerful statement, and we need to keep these letters coming in to ensure that Troy gets clemency. This is especially important as another hearing is scheduled for next Thursday, August 9th, at the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles. We greatly appreciate any help that you can provide. Continue reading →

Yesterday evening, I was reminded why I do the work I do.

Troy Davis’ life has been spared. A potentially innocent man, and the brother of a dear friend, will not be killed by the State tonight.

More about this here. (on update: A good Time Article about the “fast track” law)

I sometimes wonder why I made the move across country away from my family and away from the State I love. I sometimes wonder why I am doing this nonprofit social justice work, rather then working for a larger consultant firm for the big dollars. In moments like these, where I am reminded that our work is directly tied to human life… I am humbled. This is why I do what I do.