An Unconstitutional “Jim Crow Jury” Sent Him to Prison for Life. A New Law Aims to Keep Him There.

A split jury sent him to prison for life. A new Louisiana law aims to keep him there.

Elizabeth Sensley, a juror in Gray’s case, gave a statement to an investigator with Gray’s legal team recounting how she felt about being Black on the nearly all-white jury.When Lloyd Gray stood trial for rape in 1980, two jurors didn’t believe he was guilty and voted to acquit. Today, a split-jury verdict would mean a mistrial and possibly Gray’s freedom. But back then, in Louisiana, it resulted in a life sentence for the 19-year-old from Tunic…

An Unconstitutional “Jim Crow Jury” Sent Him to Prison for Life. A New Law Aims to Keep Him There.

Five years ago, the Supreme Court decided that nonunanimous jury verdicts are unconstitutional. But for this Louisiana prisoner — and hundreds of others — “tough on crime” state leaders have ensured that doesn’t change anything.

Prosecutors, former judge, lawyers urge Supreme Court to review jury selection discrimination

A group of current and former elected prosecutors, a former federal judge, and a network of leaders committed to promoting a justice system grounded in fairness, equity, compassion, and fiscal responsibility have filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to grant review in Pitchford v. Mississippi, a case that raises critical concerns about racial discrimination inContinue reading "Prosecutors, former judge, lawyers urge Supreme Court …