Press Release
Humanists Applaud Court Confrontation of Discrimination in Jury Selection
For Immediate Release
Roy Speckhardt, (202) 238-9088
(Washington, D.C.) “The Supreme Court’s ruling that prisoners deserve a
chance to bring constitutional challenges to their convictions is a victory
for Humanists and defenders of justice everywhere,” said Tony Hileman,
executive director of the American Humanist Association.
“By demanding an appeal for death row inmate Thomas Joe Miller-El, the Court
sent a clear message that discrimination in jury selection has no place in
our criminal justice system. As Humanists, we deplore all forms of
discrimination,” continued Hileman.
In the Court opinion, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote, “In this case, the
statistical evidence alone raises some debate as to whether the prosecution
acted with a race-based reason when striking prospective jurors.”
Indeed, the district attorney excluded ten out of the eleven blacks who were
potential jurors for Miller-El’s trial. Additionally, the white members who
were eligible for the jury were asked fewer questions overall, and less
emphasis was placed on their views about the death penalty. Not only does
this Court ruling address existing racism in the legal process, but it also
provides future opportunities for inmates to gain hearings on constitutional
issues.
Hileman said, “Greater access to the appeals process is critical for
inmates, particularly those facing death sentences. Too many innocent
victims have already been put to death by the state. Until the day comes
when our country joins most other industrialized nations in ridding itself
of the barbaric practice of capital punishment, this decision will help
prevent further injustice and atrocities against innocent people.”
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