As you all know, last year, the Florida Legislature passed two laws that significantly expanded the death penalty. One of these laws removed the requirement for a unanimous jury decision in death penalty cases. As a result, Florida now has the lowest threshold for sentencing someone to death, with an 8-4 jury vote. This makes Florida the most death penalty-friendly state in the country.
You all bombarded the legislators and the Governor with thousands of messages to stop this bill. The law passed, and as predicted, Florida’s death penalty was thrust deeper into chaos as trial courts had to address this abrupt change in the law. As further predicted, these issues are now headed to the appellate courts.
FADP is proud to say that we have signed on as an Amici (“friend of the court”) in Michael Jackson’s case – the lead case on this issue, and one that will have a significant impact on our movement. We joined groups including Witness to Innocence, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Public Defender Association, and many others.
But FADP’s impact went even further. Multiple legislators that you contacted and we educated have also signed on to a brief in support of Mr. Jackson. The amici on that brief include current and former Florida lawmakers Representatives Yvonne Hinson, LaVon Bracy Davis, Michele Rayner, Dianne Hart, and Senator Dwight Bullard, as well as the NAACP Florida State Conference, and Equal Ground Education Fund, Inc.
FADP is proud to be among such distinguished company in telling the truth about Florida’s death penalty.
And we aren’t just telling the truth in the courts. FADP’s Board Chair Herman Linsdey and I recently had the pleasure of appearing on the No Hate Radio podcast with retired Judge Don Windle and Rev. David Franks to talk about Florida’s death penalty. Please listen to and share this important conversation.
What do I want you to do? As I explained in the podcast, there is strength in numbers. We need each and every one of you to spread the word about FADP, our mission, and why ending Florida’s death penalty is crucial. If you’re able, we also need your financial support. If you are unable, help us set up an event in your community, engage with us on social media to help broaden our reach, and share our stories.
Together, we will continue to tell the truth, and continue to lift up our voices until we bring an end to Florida’s death penalty.
Onward,
Maria DeLiberato
FADP Executive Director
P.S. Stay tuned for information later this month about our mid-year fundraiser and how you can support the Not in Our Name Campaign.