One might not rest so easy if exposed to Texas justice

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http://www.startribune.com/opinion/otherviews/129842633.html
Article by: TOM JOHNSON and GREG MERZ Updated: September 14, 2011 - 9:10 PM
Our experience representing a defendant on death row didn't inspire confidence.
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Contrary to Perry's positive description of Texas-style justice, what unfolded was neither thoughtful nor fair. Almost immediately, the prosecution offered to cut Peter a deal. If he agreed to testify against his friend, the prosecution would drop the death penalty charge against him.

Peter said "no." The prosecution then offered the same deal to Peter's friend. The "friend" accepted the offer.
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Even without a high school diploma, Peter could see that his attorney was failing to provide effective representation. On several occasions, Peter asked the judge to appoint a new attorney. Each request was either ignored or denied.

Our efforts in the appellate courts went on for more than 11 years. All the while, Peter lived on death row. When he had finally reached his limit with Texas style justice, he directed us to make no further efforts on his behalf.

Peter was executed during the night of Oct. 6, 2004, at the age of 42.