This Week Injustice- March 24, 2024

Palm Sunday & Spring Break edition

Good morning from Destin, Florida. I’m down here chaperoning a group of teenagers for spring break. They are terrific kids, so it’s not as demanding as it sounds!

Happy Palm Sunday to those who recognize the day.

This message will be short and sweet as I have a beach that needs me to walk down it and plant my place in the sand. Wishing you all well.

Here’s a look at the stories of justice and injustice that made the news across Alabama this week.

ADOC/PAROLES

A bill to criminalize organ retention without family consent after someone dies in ADOC has advanced with a house committee’s approval. The bill, sponsored by Chris England (D), was submitted after several families filed a lawsuit claiming ADOC illegally kept their loved ones’ organs after they died in prison. 

The state launches another victim notification system so crime victims will be notified about parole dates, changes of custody and even death of the defendant. 

Federal judge hears arguments over whether to institute a temporary stay in class action lawsuit claiming Alabama is engaged in forced prison labor akin to modern day slavery. 

DEATH PENALTY

On this Palm Sunday, a scholar explores the question can you be Christian and support the death penalty? 

Supporters of bill making retroactive Alabama’s ban on judicial override in death penalty cases rally in Montgomery, then carry petition to Gov. Ivey’s office asking her to grant clemency to Rocky Myers. 

The AL supreme court approves execution by lethal injection of Jamie Ray Mills, but a date has not yet been set. 

50 issues of writings from Alabama’s death row can  now be accessed JSTOR’s prison newspaper archive. 

The latest Edition of “On the Wings of Hope,” written & formatted on Alabama’s death row is now available! 

POLICING

Alabama house approves a bill, sponsored by Rep. Rhett Marques, R, that increases fines and fees for traffic violations, despite extensive research by Alabama Appleseed that shows court fines and fees as disproportionately applied to low income people who cannot pay. 

Woman who spent 27 days in jail after arrest for protesting the shooting death of Steven Perkins in Decatur told by judge to “cease protesting,” as a term of her bond. 

City of Andalusia forms law enforcement advisory commission after Black woman’s arrest for not showing ID. 

Woman cleared of harassment charges over her criticisms of Tarrant mayor is appointed to citizen-led crime commission that will review complaints against police. 

IN OTHER NEWS

Impressive trio of Black women lead discussion about the importance of mental health and care. 

Film screening and panel discussion highlights importance of jobs for formerly incarcerated people. 

153 people were exonerated across the United States last year. None of the cases was in Alabama.