1840 - How Racism in the Courtroom Produces Wrongful Convictions and Mass Incarceration
However, when they are known, LDF and other organizations work to reverse such convictions. In 2004, Andre Thomas, a Black man, killed his white wife and their two children during a schizophrenic episode. He also attempted to kill himself at the scene and subsequently gouged out both of his eyes. At Thomas’ capital trial, the jury had to assess his severe mental illness when considering his insanity defense and then decide whether he should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment. Despite ...
