Troy Davis

The Troy Davis case has been one of the turning points in our country when it comes to how effective our judicial system is. In case some of your are unaware of the trail Davis, 42, was accused of murdering a police officer in 1989. He was convicted of the slaying of Officer Mark MacPhail in 1991. Since his arrest, Davis has repeatedly said he was an innocent man. During Davis’ 1991 trial, several witnesses testified they had seen Davis shoot MacPhail, and two others testified that Davis had confessed to them. Although the murder weapon was not recovered, ballistic evidence presented at trial linked bullets recovered at or near the scene to those at another shooting in which Davis was also charged. After a trial before a jury of seven blacks and five whites, in which 34 witnesses were called for the prosecution and six for the defense (including Davis), he was convicted of murder and various lesser charges, including the earlier shooting, and was sentenced to death in August 1991.

Now with their being no physical evidence I don't understand how death is even an option. There have been tons of trials across this country where there has be physical evidence and people were only sentenced to life. I don't understand. This was a racially motivated trial. I am embarrassed no only of our judiciary system and my home state of Georgia. 

Following the original trial, seven witnesses changed or recanted all or part of their testimony. Many witnesses admitted to being pressured by police. Davis and his lawyers argued that the racial composition of the jury and poor advocacy from his lawyers had affected his right to a fair trial. The limited ability to appeal his conviction, due in part to the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, was one reason cited for the international attention to the case. 

My school ( Howard University) along with many schools across the country have held a number of protest against the killing of Troy an I’m just speechless. A man, most probably innocent was put to death-when it was perfectly clear there was a great possibility he was not the killer. I am amazed. How can humans kill another in the face of newly developing evidence? Who would it have hurt to have at least have given him time so that his case could be examined more clearly? This whole care is not about race its about justice overall. 

What can we do as the people of this country to ensure justice? 
Fight.