Local lawyer's Death Row mercy misson

Jan 3 2009 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Roz off to help Death Row prisoners

“After speaking to people currently working out there it’s apparent the inmates just want to talk about last night’s baseball game or what they had for lunch.

“I will also be able to interview jury members and witnesses, as in America you can ask them why they found someone guilty and whether they were under any pressure to find for the death sentence.”

Roz went on: “I think more and more people in America are beginning to think that the death penalty isn’t always the best idea.

“There are just too many flaws with the American legal system to justify it; the judges are elected and are too politicised.”

Her trip to Mississippi is being organised by the charity Amicus, which aims to provide legal representation for people awaiting trial and punishment on capital charges.

America has 36 states where the convicted criminals can be put on Death Row after being found guilty of murder.