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Year-End
Death Penalty News
2012 Supreme Court Review
In its 2011-2012 Term, the United States Supreme Court decided four significant criminal cases concerning the right to effective assistance of counsel. All of these decisions were decided in favor of petitioners challenging their convictions and sentences.
North Carolina Racial Justice Act Repealed Shortly After First Use
Less than three months after North Carolina courts made history by granting relief to a death-sentenced prisoner based on statistical evidence of racial bias, the North Carolina legislature repealed the law on which the ruling was based.
Voters Set to Decide Future of the California Death Penalty
This November, California voters will decide whether to retain or abolish the death penalty in their state. The proposed legislation would remove the death penalty as a sentencing option and replace it with life without parole.
Volunteer & Project News
Skadden Wins Life Sentence for Fred Spicer
At the new sentencing hearing held on September 27, 2012, the State announced that, in the “interests of justice,” it would no longer seek the death penalty against Fred Spicer. A team of attorneys at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, along with federal defender David Voisin, have worked tirelessly on Mr. Spicer’s behalf for the past six years.
Another Victory for King & Spalding
A pro bono team at King & Spalding LLP has secured another victory for their client, Justin Wolfe. On August 16, 2012, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court ruling which overturned Mr. Wolfe’s conviction and sentence.
Fredrikson & Byron Exonerates Damon Thibodeaux
On September 28, 2012, Damon Thibodeaux became the 300th prisoner to be exonerated by DNA evidence. The decision resulted from extraordinary efforts of defenders and volunteer attorneys at Fredrikson & Byron to prove Mr. Thibodeaux’s innocence.
Project Hosts Death Penalty Panel
On September 12, 2012, the Project co-hosted an event with the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law and the American Constitution Society at the Chicago-Kent College of Law. The program, titled “The Death Penalty in America,” featured presentations by legislators, activists, volunteer lawyers and a representative from the Project.
Looking Ahead
50th Anniversary of Gideon v. Wainwright
March 18, 2013, will mark the 50th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainwright. In Gideon, the Court overturned Clarence Earl Gideon’s conviction and unanimously ruled that the 14th Amendment to the Constitution requires states to provide counsel to defendants in felony criminal cases if they are unable to hire an attorney.
10th Anniversary of the ABA Guidelines
On October 21, 2013, the Project will join the Maurice A. Deane Law School at Hofstra University to host a Symposium marking the 10th anniversary of the publication of the 2003 ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Defense Counsel in Death Penalty Cases.
Congratulations to Steve Bright
On November 15, 2012, the Southern Center for Human Rights will honor Steve Bright and his many years of service with its Frederick Douglass Award, given to those who demonstrate “exceptional courage and tenacity in the defense of human rights and equal justice.”
2012 - 2013 Calendar of Events
Project Press is the quarterly newsletter of the ABA Death Penalty Representation Project. Each issue contains news about the Project, clients in need of pro bono assistance, death penalty cases and opinions, training opportunities, and more. Read the most current issue by clicking on the image to the right, or browse back issues below. To access an issue not on this site, please contact the Project at deathpenaltyproject@americanbar.org.
