Case reveals faults in justice system

Troy Davis, a Georgia citizen, was convicted in the 1991 killing of an off-duty police officer in Savannah, Ga.

Despite grave doubts about his guilt, the state of Georgia is set to execute Davis on Monday.

Davis’ case casts a dark shadow on our state’s justice system, and Georgians should demand better from the state.

No physical evidence was used to convict Troy; the murder weapon was never recovered. The prosecution relied solely on eyewitness testimony.

Seven of nine non-police witnesses have recanted their testimonies in signed affidavits since the initial trial, some alleging police misconduct. One of the two remaining witnesses who has not recanted is the other principal suspect in the case.

It seems incredible and unconscionable that the case against Davis has fallen apart so completely, but the state still wants to execute him.

Death row prisoners face enormous obstacles when they seek to present post-conviction evidence in court. The state has set an unreasonably high bar through case law, and indigent defendants in particular face acute challenges in meeting the criteria.

Davis’ inability to present evidence of his innocence, including the seven recantations, seriously calls into question the fundamental fairness and efficacy of our justice system.

Amnesty International does not assert Davis is innocent, and it recognizes the seriousness of the crime committed.

Nonetheless, due to the serious doubts about Davis’ guilt, AI and other advocates are calling on the state to reexamine his case and grant him a fair opportunity to present post-conviction evidence.

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to act on this injustice by declining to hear Davis’ cert petition, removing the last obstacle to his execution.

To take action on Troy’s case, please go to www.amnestyusa.org or www.gfadp.org.

ZACH FOX
Senior, Decatur
German and International Affairs

ABBY RHODES
Senior, Louisville, Ky.
International Affairs and Political Science

Obama lacks proper judgment

I’m a Republican, and I’m voting for Barack Obama.

I’m voting for Obama because he’s going to increase my taxes to fix the problems of countries that don’t like us. We’ve angered them by protecting American interests, but Obama has the right idea – give American treasure to those who stand against American interests.

I’m voting for Obama because he’s a smart politician – he knew this economic crisis would benefit him immensely in the election. Obama had the foresight as a community organizer to fight for subprime mortgages and loans that wouldn’t be paid off. Then as senator he fought against regulation on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Both of these moves were prime examples of good judgment that helped lead to the financial crisis America is now in, thus propelling Obama to a huge lead in the polls.

Obama has the foresight, judgment, economic sense and moral compass that this country needs.

IAN GUNN
Sophomore, New Orleans
Philosophy and Psychology