Craig Watkins, the Dallas County district attorney, says he wants lawmakers to consider a "Racial Justice Act."
This act, he explained in a recent interview, could allow defendants to introduce evidence to argue that their prosecutions or sentences were influenced by race.
Watkins has already built a reputation for using DNA tests to free wrongfully convicted inmates.
In Dallas County, 28 of the 33 people who have been exonerated of crimes since 2001 are black, according to a spokeswoman for the DA's office.
According to Watkins, "I would imagine that there are individuals, not just in prison, but particularly on death row, that were convicted because of the color of their skin ...The issue that we're bringing to light is to make sure that everything is fair, no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from, and you're treated just like anyone else.
"And if you deserve a death sentence, then you will get it. If you didn't, then you shouldn't be on death row."
Read more in this report Nomaan Merchant of The Associated Press.
What he doesn't tell you is that the law is a disaster in North Carolina. Nothing more that touchy feely no good liberalism.
Posted by: Lynn | January 22, 2013 at 11:17 AM
Well, Lynn, I guess you're just hunky-dory with racial injustice. Let me guess: you're white, past middle age or about there, and LOVE the KKK-folks who run Fox "News."
You guys seem to run in gangs so I'll wait here while your buds, who specialize in phony outrage, rush to your (unneeded) defense...
Posted by: Mike in Dallas | January 22, 2013 at 01:08 PM
It isn't about race, it's about money in their pocket. He needs to look at how many people of color ended up sentenced versus initially charged with the same type of crime. Fact is, blacks are typically less well off than whites, mexicans, or asians.
Posted by: Franky Panky | January 22, 2013 at 01:41 PM