Activists Encouraged by New Jersey, but Key Senate Panel Remains in the Way

By John Wagner -- Staff Writer
Washington Post, Wednesday, December 26, 2007; Page B01

Advocates of repealing Maryland's death penalty are hopeful that New Jersey's landmark decision to end capital punishment will provide momentum heading into next month's legislative session. But interviews with key lawmakers suggest that a permanent repeal during the 90-day session remains a long shot.
(If the Washington Post moves the article, click below) 

2007-12-14 - "The lawmakers voted 44-36 to replace the state's never-used death penalty with life in prison without parole. The Senate passed the bill Monday. Gov. Jon Corzine said yesterday he expects to sign it in a matter of days, making New Jersey the first state to repeal its capital punishment law in more than 30 years."
http://www.njadp.org/

 
.           Supreme Court of Georgia
.           Media Advisory

Many of you have heard about the case of Troy Davis, a man awaiting execution on Georgia's death row despite his strong innocence claim. After coming within 24 hours of his execution last summer, Troy's appeal will now finally be heard by the Georgia State Supreme Court.
Join Amnesty International on Saturday, October 13th in Savannah, Georgia for a Community March for Justice.
Background information (CPRC)
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August 9 clemency hearing has been canceled

On August 3, the Georgia Supreme Court decided to hear the appeal of Troy Davis. He will be able to introduce the substantial new evidence pointing to his innocence.

On August 6, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles canceled the clemency hearing that had been scheduled for August 9.

For Amnesty International's new urgent action request , click here. For  a short background summary:

Every June 29th for the past 14 years, for four days, abolitionists have met on the sidewalk in front of the U.S. Supreme Court to commemorate the four short years when this country did not kill its own citizens. We fasted, remembered, planned, learned, taught, and listened to many inspiring speakers again this year. Charleston Peace members Ron Kaz (there for his 11th vigil) and  Anna  Shockley (3rd vigil) would be happy to have company next year! (Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )   Pictures

Two Charleston Peace members, along with six other co-defendants, have been found guilty of violating a statute prohibiting anyone from displaying a banner "designed or adapted to bring into public notice a party, organization, or movement" on the grounds of the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. The charges were incurred on January 17 of this year, the 30th anniversary of the execution of Gary Gilmore, which was also the first execution in the United States since reinstatement of the death penalty.

Arrest video/Blowback: No Nos Moveran