Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself

NEWS ADVISORY

Contacts:          Marty Durand, ACLU of Idaho, 344-5243

                        Mia Crosthwaite, Catholic Charities of Idaho, 377-1230

Date:                September 30, 2003

DISTINGUISED PANEL TO EXAMINE IDAHO’S DEATH PENALTY

October 7, 2003 – Hatch Ballroom, Boise State University

Recent court rulings have called into question capital sentencing practices, executing juveniles and persons with mental retardation, as will as the quality of legal defense provided to the poor.  The evidence used to convict has come under renewed scrutiny with the emergence of DNA testing and recent revelations of crime lab mix-ups and cover-ups. 

A distinguished panel will examine the current state of the death penalty in Idaho and look toward the future of capital punishment.  Were last year’s legislative “fixes” enough to save the death penalty in Idaho?  What will happen to those currently on Idaho’s death row who were sentenced contrary to constitutional standards?  Are exonerations – over 100 nationwide and two in Idaho – evidence of isolated errors or major systemic flaws?  These questions, and many others, will be addressed by:

Al Bronstein (Moderator), Founder and former Director of the ACLU’s National Prison Project

Mike Burkett (Panelist), Attorney and State Senator, District 19

Michael Blankenship (Panelist), Dean, College of Social Sciences & Public Affairs, BSU

Todd Lochner (Panelist), Professor, Department of Political Science, BSU

Kevin Richert (Panelist), Editorial Page Editor, Idaho Statesman

William L. Mauk (Panelist), Attorney

Mia Crosthwaite (Panelist), Legislative Liaison, Catholic Church of Idaho

“We have grave concerns about a system that robs a person of the time to reach genuine repentance and remorse,” said Mia Crosthwaite, Legislative Liaison for the Catholic Church of Idaho.  “Victim’s families deserve to hear an apology and the guilty deserve to be treated with basic human dignity,” according to Crosthwaite.

“Now is the time to review the entire capital punishment process in Idaho,” said Marty Durand, Legislative Counsel for the ACLU of Idaho.  “The errors within our death penalty system – and the chance of executing innocent persons – are so deep and so far reaching that they must be addressed if the death penalty is to continue.  If the legislature won’t address the problem, then maybe it’s time to call on Governor Kempthorne.” 

What:               Justice in the Balance:  Consequences of Capital Punishment in Idaho       

Date:                Tuesday, October 7, 2003

Time:                6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where:             Hatch Ballroom, Student Union Building, Boise State University

Cost:                Admission is free

Sponsors:         ACLU of Idaho, College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, Boise State University, Catholic Charities & Catholic Church of Idaho