News Update 5.02.07
North Carolina
Yesterday was a big day for justice in the General Assembly. The House passed two good bills – H784 and H786 – out of committee, and a third – H1625 – was passed by the entire House unanimously.
House 784 simply brings the murder statute into line with the Supreme Court’s decision in Roper v. Simmons, which barred the execution of persons who commit murder while under the age of 18. Previously, North Carolina executed people as young as 17.
House 786 requires law enforcement to turn over their complete investigation file to the prosecutor. While that seems like common sense, there have been situations in the past where police, knowing that the defense would have access to the prosecutor’s file, concealed evidence of innocence from the prosecutor.
House 1625 changes the way law enforcement agencies handle eyewitness identifications of suspects. We all remember the situation in the Duke case when the accuser was shown pictures only of lacrosse players to identify her alleged attackers. The bill requires that live and photo lineups be conducted by a neutral person, that the eyewitness be given specific instructions, that the lineup procedure be videotaped whether a suspect is identified or not, and so forth.
In sadder news, a Cumberland County jury deliberated for less than four hours yesterday before sentencing Eugene Williams to death.
Elsewhere
In Alabama, legislators refuse to consider a bill that would take the life-or-death decision out of the hands of elected judges and put it where it belongs – with the jury. 20% of the people on death row in Alabama were sentenced to death by the judge even though the jury recommended life.
A roundup of what’s going on in Texas
* Reaction to the cert grant in Medellin
* SCOTUS vacates death sentence of Ronald Chambers
Federal judge says there are no winners in death penalty trials. “If you can be in a room, surrounded by that kind of pain, and you’re not moved by it, then I think you’re the wrong person to be the judge,” he said.
For those who like to keep up on recent scholarship, go here for links to articles on everything from mental health to the war on terror.
Posted by deathwatch 
Tennessee Moratorium Ends, State Prepares to Execute Man Who Never Killed Anyone
May 2, 2007In February, Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen called for a 90-day halt in executions. He wanted time to examine how Tennessee goes about executing inmates. The moratorium expires today, and many are saying that it’s time for Bredesen to focus on the who rather than the how.
Philip Workman is scheduled to be executed on May 9th. Workman was sentenced to die for the killing of a police officer, Lieutenant Ronald Oliver, during the robbery of a Memphis restaurant in 1981. Although Workman never denied that he robbed the restaurant, he has steadfastly maintained that he is innocent of shooting the officer. The only eyewitness to the shooting has since recanted his testimony. Forensic analysis – conducted only after the trial – has shown that Philip Workman could not have fired the bullet that killed Lieutenant Oliver. Even the former district attorney whose office prosecuted Workman said that his life should be spared and offered to serve as lead counsel in Workman’s clemency efforts.
The video below, titled Deadly Silence, was produced in 2003. Although it’s slightly out of date as to the legal status of Mr. Workman’s case, it presents an excellent argument for clemency. Learn more about the case. Learn about the parole board that failed to consider Mr. Workman’s evidence impartially – or at all. Hear from Lieutenant Oliver’s daughter, who believes that Philip Workman should not be executed. Hear from the man whose perjured testimony put Philip Workman on death row. Hear from one of five jurors who say that if they’d known then what they know now, they wouldn’t have convicted Philip Workman of capital murder, much less sentenced him to death. Hear from Philip Workman.
Several execution dates have been set for Philip Workman in the past – he once came within 42 minutes of execution – but the only person who can save Workman now is Governor Bredesen. Please contact the Governor’s office and urge him to spare the life of Philip Workman.
Governor’s Office
Tennessee State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243-0001
Phone: 615.741.2001
Fax: 615.532.9711
Email: phil.bredesen@state.tn.us