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Eugene

(61,974 posts)
Thu Jun 20, 2013, 11:36 AM Jun 2013

North Carolina governor signs law aimed at restarting executions

Source: Reuters

North Carolina governor signs law aimed at restarting executions

By Colleen Jenkins
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina | Wed Jun 19, 2013 9:20pm EDT

(Reuters) - North Carolina's governor, hoping to resume executions in his state, on Wednesday signed the repeal of a law that has allowed death row inmates to seek a reduced sentence if they could prove racial bias affected their punishment.

The Racial Justice Act, the only law of its kind in the United States, had led to four inmates getting their sentences changed to life in prison without parole after taking effect in 2009.

Supporters said the historic measure addressed the state's long record of racial injustice in its capital punishment system, while critics said it caused unnecessary costs and delays after nearly all death-row inmates, including whites, sought relief under the act.

Governor Pat McCrory, a Republican, said repealing the law would remove the "procedural roadblocks" that had kept North Carolina from executing anyone since 2006 despite there being 152 people on death row.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/20/us-usa-northcarolina-race-idUSBRE95J02620130620
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North Carolina governor signs law aimed at restarting executions (Original Post) Eugene Jun 2013 OP
What's the point of electing a republican Turbineguy Jun 2013 #1
This was my take on McCrory's actions.... FLyellowdog Jun 2013 #2
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