Post by janet on Feb 11, 2006 11:16:48 GMT -5
Personally, I find it deeply disheartening that while abolitionists are prepared to fight on a case per case basis, what is our official position on S. 1088, 'The Streamlined Procuedures Act of 2005'?
Most of us are aware of the fact that post-conviction relief is rarely granted at a state level. These judges are elected and, thus, have personal agendas. It is within the federal court system, that most relief is granted.
This Bill, part of the so called, 'Patriot Act', is in the hearing stage in the Senate Judicial Sub-Committee. It, as many of us are aware, almost totally eviscerates habeas corpus as we know it. There is certainty that the Bill will be passed.
Should the Bill be passed, there will be Constitutional challenges. That, however, is unlikely to do anything but delay executions .... of both the innocent and the guilty. If the AEDPA set the procedural bar high, this Bill would virtually eliminate it.
Since the lives of (as of this date) 3,415 prisoners are at stake, is it not incumbent upon the entire international community who oppose the death penalty to ensure their voices are heard?
Most of us are aware of the fact that post-conviction relief is rarely granted at a state level. These judges are elected and, thus, have personal agendas. It is within the federal court system, that most relief is granted.
This Bill, part of the so called, 'Patriot Act', is in the hearing stage in the Senate Judicial Sub-Committee. It, as many of us are aware, almost totally eviscerates habeas corpus as we know it. There is certainty that the Bill will be passed.
Should the Bill be passed, there will be Constitutional challenges. That, however, is unlikely to do anything but delay executions .... of both the innocent and the guilty. If the AEDPA set the procedural bar high, this Bill would virtually eliminate it.
Since the lives of (as of this date) 3,415 prisoners are at stake, is it not incumbent upon the entire international community who oppose the death penalty to ensure their voices are heard?
