Weekly Report from the Board Meeting at Holman Prison 4.30.25
Each execution leaves its mark on us, as it should and to quote our Vice-Chairman:” I’m hoping that we grow from it and it motivates guys to do everything they can to make sure they aren’t next.” One of our other huge challenges is to get the word out to Alabamians, that yes, we do have a death penalty and we regularly use it and execute those who have fallen through the cracks of our social system.
We discussed the article Luigi Mangione’s case marks a shift in politics of the death penalty in the U.S. | Alabama Public Radio which discusses what it calls” the whipsaw of death penalty politics: The U.S. Supreme Court in 1972 in a landmark case declared the death penalty unconstitutional. The Court decided states and the federal government were imposing capital punishment in an arbitrary and inconsistent manner that was racially and otherwise discriminatory. The justices ruled that the lack of standards in implementation amounted to cruel and unusual punishment.” Yes, for a while things improved but here we are again, back in the dark ages!
Of interest to us was also the article from the Death Penalty Information Center “Two New Law Review Articles Highlight Cause and Effect of Brady Violations”. We quote: “One fundamental principle of fairness upon which our criminal justice system relies is the notion that prosecutors must disclose exculpatory, material evidence favorable to defendants. This Constitutional obligation, established in Brady v. Maryland (1963), represents a critical safeguard against wrongful convictions.” Apparently at least 200 death sentences have been overturned due to this violation.
We thank all who are working so hard and diligently to stop all killing in Alabama! And as always in closing, we thank all our generous donors who either gave by going to our website and using the “donate” button or who gave directly. Thank you also to all who took the time to read our notes, commented, liked and shared them on Facebook. Stay safe and be kind to each other!
Esther
