How many people does it take to free one innocent man? What magic words are needed to persuade the courts that Troy Davis' innocence matters? This poignant letter from a teenager eloquently speaks to the absurdity of Mr. Davis' endless struggle to find a receptive audience in the courts.
August 1991: Troy Davis was convicted based on unreliable evidence.
Eighteen years later . . .
It's official . . . INNOCENCE MATTERS!
On August 17, 2009, by a solid majority (probably 6/2, perhaps 5/3), the Supreme Court of the United States "SCOTUS" finally ordered the District Court to hear Troy's overwhelming evidence of innocence. Finally, a vote that makes sense.
See most recent SCOTUS briefing and amicus briefs from 27 former prosecutors and judges and NAACP which led to the Court's decision.
But if the history of this case has taught us anything, it is that the road ahead will not be easy.
In the past two years there were many opportunities for justice to prevail and, yet, it eluded Davis.
- March 17, 2008: A slim majority of THE GEORGIA SUPREME COURT refused its opportunity to examine the "truth" behind the 1991 verdict. Four of the seven justices decided that it was legally acceptable to deny Troy a new trial. To their credit, then Chief Justice Sears, now Chief Justice Hunstein, and Justice Benham thought that the question of Troy's innocence was fundamental and warranted a new day in court.
September 12, 2008: The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles refused to commute Troy's death sentence to life without parole.
October 14, 2008: SCOTUS denied Troy's petition for certiorari.
April 16, 2009: Mr. Davis lost again by one vote (2/1), this time in front of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. A slim majority denied relief on procedural grounds while the lone voice of reason, embodied in Circuit Judge Rosemary Barkett's dissent, defended innocence and our constitution.
We will need your help to keep the District Court honest. Now is not the time to sit back and "trust" the process. We also need to continue to urge Chatham County District Attorney Larry Chisolm to honor his duty. For more details on how you can help, visit Act Now for Troy Davis.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
We will not rest until we succeed in persuading those with the power to correct this injustice that we live in a country where
INNOCENCE MATTERS! 
|