ABA President H. Thomas Wells Jr. Calls for Leaders to Use Caution in Davis Case

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 24, 2008 – A fair justice system is never more important than when a person’s life is at stake. The Troy Davis case raises serious concerns that must be addressed.

The American Bar Association takes no position on the merits of the death penalty itself. But eight recent ABA assessments, including in Georgia, found mistakes and errors are too common in many state death penalty systems. These serious, systemic failures cannot be ignored.

Before we take life, we must give justice. State leaders should take all necessary steps to investigate Davis’ claim of innocence and proceed with caution before execution is carried out.  We all have a stake in ensuring that innocent persons are not put to death. 

Media Contact: Stephanie Ortbals-Tibbs, 202/662-1091 or ortbals-tibbss@staff.abanet.org