Justice system fails on many fronts

By Gerald Kogan, Special to the Times

Published Monday, June 30, 2008

In April, the U.S. Supreme Court found that the method of lethal injection utilized by Florida, among other states, does not violate the Constitution’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

That should not be the end of the conversation.

Reasonable men and women of all political affiliations, faiths, and professional backgrounds have disagreed for decades about the morality of executing those who commit heinous crimes. As a former prosecutor, defense attorney, trial judge and chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court, I have been involved in 1,200 capital cases and can personally attest to the complexity and uncertainty of that debate. Remarkably, the same individuals who agree on little else are beginning to find one piece of common ground: the belief that Florida’s system of capital punishment is broken. Read More

More frequent executions

Originally published July 3, 2008
Schwab’s legacy may be more frequent executions
By Paul Flemming
FLORIDA CAPITAL BUREAU
Mark Dean Schwab’s execution, Florida’s first in more than 18 months, is the start of more lethal injections for the 386 prisoners on the state’s death row. Read More

Executions – Now & in the Future

Governor Charlie Crist’s administration carried out their first execution on July 1st. Thank you to all who turned out for our Vigil for Mark Schwab and for the Service of Remembrance for Mark and his victim, Junny Rios-Martinez. Because the execution appears to have been carried out without being “botched,” as was Angel Diaz’s, this may pave the way for the signing of several more death warrants. In preparation for the killing of Mark Schwab, the Department of Corrections completed several “tests” on their so-called new lethal injection methods. It was reported that the tests failed 30% of the time. Consequently, it would seem that 1 out of 3 executions will be “problematic.” If two more warrants are signed then one of them will likely be “botched.”

We continue to be hopeful and will keep you apprised as things develop.

Sheila Meehan
Chair, TCADP

Mark Schwab to die Tuesday, July 1st at 6:00 p.m.

Dear Friends,

Despite appeals filed this week on behalf of Mark Schwab, things do not look promising. He is scheduled to be killed on Tuesday, July 1st at 6:00 p.m.

We will gather in front of the Governor’s mansion on Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. for a vigil for Mark.

On Wednesday, July 2, please join us at 12 noon at the Capital Rotunda for a memorial service for Mark Schwab and his victim, Junny Rios-Martinez.

Sheila Meehan
Chair, TCADP

Bad News and Good News

Dear Friends,

The bad new first: Although there are ongoing appeals on behalf of Mark Schwab, he is scheduled to be killed by the State of Florida on July 1st. We will keep you posted on the outcome of these appeals and plans for a vigil for Mark in front of Gov. Crist’s mansion on July 1 and for a memorial on July 2nd for Mark and for Junny Rios-Martinez.
——-
The good news: there are two important events coming up in the next 10 days.

#1 On Friday, June 20th there will be a fund raiser (only $10) for the Innocence Project of Florida. This event is to help add dollars to the funds for those people who were wrongly accused and who will finally get out of prison with nothing in their pockets and no place to live. This is truly an emergency fund and is extremely worthwhile. If you cannot attend, please consider sending a contribution. The website is: www.floridainnocence.org

The Innocence Project of Florida will host Innocence Rocks!, an evening of food, ’60s and ’70s music by The Big Kahunas, a silent auction and a cash bar. The event, 7:00 p.m. – midnight at the American Legion Hall at Lake Ella, is being held to raise money for IPF’s Exoneree Emergency Fund.
You can purchase advance tickets by contacting Toni Shrewsbury, at 850-561-6767. You can also see the beautiful flier for the event at http://www.floridainnocence.org

Innocence Rocks!
June 20, 2008
7:00 p.m. - Midnight
American Legion Hall at Lake Ella
$10 per person (tax deductible)
—————–
#2) The FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights is proud to present:
Mark Schneider, Senior Vice-President, International Crisis Group and former Director of the Peace Corps will speak on: “Chaos in Afghanistan.”

Human Rights & National Security in the 21st Century Lecture Series
Monday, June 23, 2008
12:30 PM
FSU College of Law — Rotunda
(425 W. Jefferson St.)

Mark Schneider, will kick off a summer lecture series that will examine human rights interests and national security imperatives within the context of the U.S.-led “War on Terror.”

Schneider will address the current conditions in Afghanistan, the ongoing military engagement by the United States and the role of humanitarian assistance and foreign aid. *This special event is free and open to the public. Public parking available across the street at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center — A light lunch buffet will be available from noon to 12:30 while it lasts. Q & A will follow the lecture.

—————-
.

Sheila Meehan
Chair, TCADP

The annual meeting of TCADP

Photograph by Louise Ritchie

David Menschel and Juvais Harrington hold the bell that is rung outside Florida State Prison at the time of each execution.  The sound can be heard for almost a mile.  Mark Elliott, of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, (left in photo) explains the history of the bell to those attending the Annual Meeting of TCADP.

Execution Scheduled - July 1

The U. S. Supreme Court lifted the stay of execution for Mark Schwab. Governor Charlie Crist scheduled the killing for July 1. According to newspaper reports, Gov. Crist said, “It’s a time that makes sense.”

Sheila Meehan, Chair TCADP

Annual meeting

Dear Friends,

This is a reminder that we will hold the Annual Meeting of the Tallahassee Citizens Against the Death Penalty on Tuesday evening, May 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the Westminster Room of First Presbyterian Church on Adams and Park.

Elections will be held and there will be a brief presentation by Jeanne Rewa of Equal Justice Works and Mark Elliott of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.  They will discuss plans for organizing efforts in North Florida.

Along with the ACLU, we are presenting “Freedom to Live,” a 30 minute film of compelling stories of people personally affected by America’s capital punishment system.  The film offers a unique window into its unfairness and inhumanity. “Freedom to Live” also demonstrates that when people get involved, lives can be saved.

As of today, Saturday, there is no word on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the possible execution of Mark Schwab.  We will keep you posted.

Sheila Meehan
Chair, TCADP

Mark Elliot sent the following message regarding the Mark Schwab case

Friends,

The U.S. Supreme Court is meeting today on lifting the stay of
execution for Mark Schwab.  Insiders say that if the stay is lifted, a
new execution date may be announced as early as Monday.

—-Mark

Mark Elliott
Executive Director
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, FADP.org

TCADP annual meeting

Dear Friends,

TCADP will hold our annual meeting on Tuesday, May 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the Westminster Room of First Presbyterian Church.

We will have a little time for refreshments and socializing followed by a report on what has taken place during this year. We’ll hold elections and then view a 30 minute film on the death penalty from the ACLU Freedom Files called “Freedom to Live.”
Read More