Eight Former North Carolina Supreme Court Justices Call on the General Assembly For An Immediate Vote on the Moratorium Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
June 29, 2004
David Neal, NCCM
Office:  919.680.2986
Cell:  919.824.1814
dneal@ncmoratorium.org

EIGHT FORMER N.C. SUPREME COURT JUSTICES CALL ON THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR AN IMMEDIATE VOTE ON THE MORATORIUM BILL

Eight former North Carolina Supreme Court justices today are calling upon the leadership of the North Carolina House of Representatives to allow a House vote on Senate Bill 972.  The bill would enact a two-year temporary suspension of executions while the legislature studies the death penalty system in North Carolina.  The justices include the Hon. Rhoda B. Billings,  the Hon. J. Phil Carlton, the Hon. James G. Exum, Jr., the Hon. Henry E. Frye, the Hon. Harry Martin, the Hon. Francis I. Parker, the Hon. John Webb, and the Hon. Willis P. Whichard.  The justices include Democrats and Republicans, some who support the death penalty and others who oppose it.

Legitimate concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the state's system of capital punishment exist and must be addressed, especially in light of several recent cases in which death sentences have been overturned by North Carolina courts, including the case of Alan Gell, who was exonerated in February after spending nearly five years on death row for a murder he did not commit.

The bill passed the State Senate last spring.  House leaders have said the measure may not come up during this short session because of an agreement between Co-Speakers Richard Morgan and Jim Black not to permit debate on controversial measures.  A statewide poll shows that 63% of North Carolinians support a temporary halt to executions so the system can be studied.

"This legislation is about fundamental fairness, an issue that should not be controversial," said the Honorable James G. Exum, Jr.   "The recent exonerations of Alan Gell and Darryl Hunt give clear evidence or the need for study of our death penalty system.  We should stop all executions until we can be sure that the death penalty is being used fairly in this state.  We cannot risk the execution of an innocent person."

"We urge House leaders to permit a vote on this issue and allow the Democratic process to work," Justice Exum said.

The justices have previously demonstrated their support for the moratorium by endorsing a letter of dozens of prominent North Carolinians who favor a temporary halt to executions and examination of the current system.  That letter notes, "We are proud to be citizens of this great state and support its historical and demonstrated commitment to justice.  We believe this is an issue of such importance that it rises above politics and calls upon us all to stand tall for justice and North Carolina."

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