Comments on: SCOTUS, Not Gov. Perry, Grants Hank Skinner a Reprieve

By: Patricia

Patricia — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:39:59 +0000

I’m relieved too, Catherine. I traveled to Huntsville yesterday to take part in a vigil that, by grace of God, never had to happen. I agree with you about health care as well :)

Kathy, sadly, I do think people will have restitution figures in mind. This could cost the state millions in dollars and, as you point out, could be the next step toward abolition.

There is a current (like, I heard about it this morning) case–and please correct me if I’m remembering incorrectly–where an exonerated man is suing in civil court against the corruption in the legal system that caused him to be incarcerated in the first place. I will come back and amend my post if I can find all the information. I can’t remember if this man was on death row or not.

If Hank is found innocent, looking at his court-appointed lawyer’s conflict of interest alone, I’d say he has a chance of proving corruption at least at the county level. Could mean some serious money awarded.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:00:59 +0000

David, I don’t believe that the people deciding whether to review will be worried about compensation, however the sad fact is that Perry and his posse will be all too aware that allowing this exceptional testing of DNA evidence could set a precedent which will open the floodgates for all the unsafe capital convictions on their books – and there are a great many. It would be so much easier if this could be closed down and swept quickly under the carpet. He’s actually in a very difficult place on this. (Most of) his voters will want to see him be firm, some will not give a damn, others will expect fairness. But if he is fair and the DNA points to Hank’s innocence – then it exposes the rotten stench of the Texas criminal justice system. For some, it could be like ‘The Emperor’s new Clothes’ I, for one, suspect that last night’s decision, one way or another, could end up in the history books as a massive turning point for death penalty abolition in the US. Incidentally, I’m not aware of ANY exonerees to date receiving compensation in any significant amount. In the UK a guy wrongfully given a life sentence and exonerated last year was expected to receive in excess of £1million by default given the negligence and wrongdoing of the government offices involved. But Innocence Project tell me that no such mechanism exists in the US. Let alone state-funded counselling, rehabilitation and practical aid. Hence the existence of charities such as ‘Resurrection after Exoneration’. Correct me if wrong, someone?

By: How easy is it to get student loans? | A Super Loan

How easy is it to get student loans? | A Super Loan — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:55:55 +0000

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By: David

David — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 04:34:42 +0000

I won’t be surprised if they decided to not review his case. It’s all about money. If he’s innocent they’ll have to pay him millions. Who needs facts and morals when you’re corrupt?

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 01:04:28 +0000

I was referring to Hank Skinner’s reprieve. As for healthcare, I’ve been waiting for this my entire conscious life of 62 years, and am delighted. Fox-washed Americans need to open their ears and be educated. So many people will benefit and not die. But my 34-y/o client who could not get care of his IPF and already has major organ failure, for him it is too late I think.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 01:02:25 +0000

I’m just relieved.