Wilgoren, Jodi,
Citing Issue of Fairness, Governor Clears Out Death Row in Illinois. Jodi Wilgoren. - New York Times, 2003. - SIRS Enduring Issues 2004. Article 65, Institutions, 1522-3256; .
Articles Contained in SIRS Enduring Issues 2004. Originally Published: Citing Issue of Fairness, Governor Clears Out Death Row in Illinois, Jan. 12, 2003; pp. 1+.
"Condemning the capital punishment system as fundamentally flawed and unfair, Gov. George Ryan commuted all Illinois death sentences today [Jan. 11, 2003] to prison terms of life or less, the largest such emptying of death row in history. In one sweep, Governor Ryan, a Republican, spared the lives of 163 men and 4 women who have served a collective 2,000 years for the murders of more than 250 people. His bold move was seen as the most significant statement questioning capital punishment since the Supreme Court struck down states' old death penalty laws in 1972. It seemed sure to secure Mr. Ryan's legacy as a leading critic of state-sponsored executions even as he faces possible indictment in a corruption scandal that stopped him from seeking re-election." (NEW YORK TIMES) This article explains why Gov. George Ryan decided to "commute the sentences of all prisoners" on Illinois' death row.
1522-3256;
Ryan
Capital punishment
Clemency
Judicial error
Illinois
AC1.S5
050
Citing Issue of Fairness, Governor Clears Out Death Row in Illinois. Jodi Wilgoren. - New York Times, 2003. - SIRS Enduring Issues 2004. Article 65, Institutions, 1522-3256; .
Articles Contained in SIRS Enduring Issues 2004. Originally Published: Citing Issue of Fairness, Governor Clears Out Death Row in Illinois, Jan. 12, 2003; pp. 1+.
"Condemning the capital punishment system as fundamentally flawed and unfair, Gov. George Ryan commuted all Illinois death sentences today [Jan. 11, 2003] to prison terms of life or less, the largest such emptying of death row in history. In one sweep, Governor Ryan, a Republican, spared the lives of 163 men and 4 women who have served a collective 2,000 years for the murders of more than 250 people. His bold move was seen as the most significant statement questioning capital punishment since the Supreme Court struck down states' old death penalty laws in 1972. It seemed sure to secure Mr. Ryan's legacy as a leading critic of state-sponsored executions even as he faces possible indictment in a corruption scandal that stopped him from seeking re-election." (NEW YORK TIMES) This article explains why Gov. George Ryan decided to "commute the sentences of all prisoners" on Illinois' death row.
1522-3256;
Ryan
Capital punishment
Clemency
Judicial error
Illinois
AC1.S5
050