Skip to main content

Must read Terms of Service & Privacy Policy and be at least 18

Must read Terms of Service & Privacy Policy and be at least 18

 
NatashaNogoodnik

I just learned that my pen pal's cert w/ SCOTUS was denied (at the federal level... so all that's left is the board of pardons.) I'm so sad for him and his family. I have been trying to get a non-profit to pick up his case, as he is very fed up with his current lawyer, but no success. I'm realistic, I know the DA associated with his case is one of the most aggressive in the nation when it comes to the death penalty. My friend, who's a lawyer, told me I need to stop trying to be so upbeat with him, and start helping him prepare for the inevitable. No idea how to do that. Just thought I'd share. 

 
DeltaRun

 You are right.I think we can look forward to a more compassionate "climate" with Biden in the WH. prior to his leaving office, Trump actually fastracked 13 federal executions to make sure that the prisoners died before he left the White House. This made me furious..The Death penalty is not justice nor does it serve as a deterent.

 
Carmen163

I understood him to be in federal prison, that would make Biden the deciding person whether executions take place, right? 

Another thing I read, is that this current Supreme Court has made a laughing stock of itself by surpassing all kinds of legitimate appeals and basicly violate the rights of prisoners. They blindly obeyed Trump and I think there will be some consequences in time. That will not help your pp, but it could help the general opinion pushing to be negative about executions. I am clutching at straws maybe, but it helps me to stay hopeful that this awful situation will end. 

And I agree with Mjuran, being 'upbeat' might not be the best approach. My thoughts are meant for you and not so much for your pp. Simply asking: "How can I help, think about it, let me know?" may be the best help you can offer.  

 

 
mjuran

Very sorry to hear this also.  Appeals for clemency are always possible, though, aren't they?  I believe having run through your appeals doesn't mean the execution is slated for right away, either.  The pen pal I have on DR has been there for three decades, and he exhausted his appeals a long time ago.  I have hope he's not in any immediate danger.  Also as Carmen says, the laws are slowly changing in various states.

But looking on the bright side and maintaining hope ("being upbeat" for your pen pal) may not be what he wants or what is best for him.  How does he seem?  Do you think he wants you to be upbeat for him or with him, or might he prefer to be able to face what he has to face squarely and have your help to face it?  I'd look to him and the mood or feelings he expresses about it, to guide you there.  If you don't have any good answers, you can always be someone to listen to him and validate any feelings he shares with you about it.  I wish you much strength, that's a terrible situation.

 

 
Carmen163

I'm so very sorry for you and everyone involved. I had to look up what a SCOTUS cert is and I understand that it's the last possibility for the Supreme Court. So, there are no appeals left if I understand it correctly. But with Biden now being the POTUS, I don't think there is any risk that your pp will actually be executed in the coming years, and maybe Biden will abolish the death penalty all together. Let's hope so!!