Blanket commutation
Illinois Gov. Ryan to Empty Death Row - This takes a lot of courage, almost unheard of in today's batch of poll-driven now-centered politicians. Coincidentally I just read an article by Scott Turow (summarized here) about his involvement in the Illinois commision on the death penalty. It makes you think, even if you're as against the death penalty as I am. (The link goes to a brief AP release; I'll post additional links as they inevitably come.)Additional links:
- Illinois death row cleared (longer AP release)
- Governor Assails System's Errors as He Empties Illinois Death Row (NY Times)
- Text of Ryan's speech ("somewhat condensed")
- Clemency Brings Rage To Book of Remembrance
- Effects of Death Penalty Ruling Debated
- Illinois Prosecutors Assess Death Penalty's New Era