U.S. Supreme Court developments regarding Mumia Abu-Jamal, death row: December 15, 2008
Introduction
Mumia Abu-Jamal remains on Pennsylvania’s death row. Last week marked
the 27th anniversary of his unjust imprisonment. Racism, fraud and politics
have been threads that have run through the case since its inception, and
continue today.
We are in extensive litigation on two fronts before the United States
Supreme Court. The prosecution is continuing it quest for the execution of my
client. In a separate case before the court, I am seeking an entirely new trial
and Mumia’s freedom. Based upon my experience in having successfully
represented numerous people in murder cases involving the death penalty, I am
convinced that we can win if I can just get it back before a jury.
U.S. Supreme Court The following is a brief overview of recent developments
and filing deadlines:
/Beard v. Abu-Jamal/, U.S. Sup. Ct. No. 08-652 On November 14, 2008, the
Philadelphia District Attorney filed in the U.S. Supreme Court a petition
seeking to overturn the victory we achieved earlier this year in the U.S. Court
of Appeals for the Third Circuit. /Abu-Jamal v. Horn/, 520 F.3d 272 (3rd Cir.
2008). In that ruling court ordered a new jury trial on the question of the
death penalty. Our Brief In Opposition is scheduled to be filed on January 21,
2009.
/Abu-Jamal v. //Beard/, U.S. Sup. Ct. No. 08A299 The Petition for Writ of
Certiorari will be filed on December 19, 2008. The issues concern the
prosecution’s use of racism in jury selection. Relief was denied last
spring by a sharply divided federal court. This is of great constitutional
significance as reflected by the extraordinary dissenting opinion of Justice
Thomas L. Ambro. /Abu-Jamal v. Horn/, 520 F.3d at 304-320. He reaffirmed the
bedrock principle that everyone is entitled to a fair and impartial trial by a
jury of his or her peers, and that excluding even a single person from a jury
because of race violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S.
Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment.
Donations for Mumia's Legal Defense The legal defense for Mumia needs
substantial funds. The legal costs for our litigation in the Supreme Court are
considerable and will likely reach six figures. To help, please make your
checks payable to the “/National Lawyers Guild Foundation”/
(indicate "Mumia" on the bottom left). The donations are tax
deductible, and should be mailed to:
/Committee To Save Mumia Abu-Jamal/
//P.O. Box 2012
New York, NY 10159-2012
Conclusion
This is a life and death struggle to save Mumia. He is in greater danger
than at any time since being arrested. Your support and activism is needed.
That Mumia remains in prison and on death row is an affront to basic human
rights. We must aggressively continue this struggle until he is free.
Yours very truly,
Robert R. Bryan
Law Offices of Robert R. Bryan
2088 Union Street, Suite 4
San Francisco, California 94123-4117
Lead counsel for Mumia Abu-Jamal
