Clemency petition for death-row inmate
The ARC Arkansas, an advocacy group for the mentally retarded, has issued a letter to Governor Beebe asking him to grant clemency to Frank Williams, a death-row inmate scheduled to be executed on September 9th. The letter comes in advance of an August 4 hearing before the state parole board, during which lawyers will argue that Williams should not be executed because previous courts failed to take his mental retardation into account.
Williams's application for clemency states that he has two medical reports confirming his mental retardation. In 2002 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in Atkins v. Virginia, that executions of the mentally retarded are unconstitutional.
The execution, were it to go forward, would be the first under the Beebe administration.
Williams's application for clemency states that he has two medical reports confirming his mental retardation. In 2002 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in Atkins v. Virginia, that executions of the mentally retarded are unconstitutional.
The execution, were it to go forward, would be the first under the Beebe administration.
Comments
Governor Beebe should consider this clemency request. Hopefully, he doesn't have a mistress that he needs to detract attention from, as Bill Clinton did in 1992.
Posted by: Arkansas Blogger![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 30, 2008 05:28 PM
Thank you, ARC Arkansas, for your stance in this case. I'm familiar with and admire all the work you do. I'm against the death penalty in all cases, as is most of the civilized world, for so many reasons. Especially in cases where mental debilitation is established.
Arkansas Blogger's Clinton-bashing aside is irrelevant to the case and its underlying humanity (or lack thereof).
What do Bill Clinton's escapades have to do with Frank Williams' mental retardation or death sentence?
Oh, right. Nothing.
Just another cheap shot from an ugly mind that thinks Williams' scheduled execution in Arkansas is fitting for a "cute" partisan remark.
Not fitting. Not cute.
Just shallow, unfeeling and ugly.
Posted by: NormaBates![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 30, 2008 05:55 PM
Norma - Bill Clinton set a new precedent for executing mentally incompetent criminals. In order to avoid answering questions about his affair with Gennifer Flowers during the 1992 primaries, he sequestered himself away from the news media and had Ricky Ray Rector executed. His actions in 1992 are still relevant for discussion today.
Posted by: Arkansas Blogger![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 30, 2008 06:21 PM
I can understand Tex killing so many under George II, but that was one retard killing other retards.
Hopefully Gov. Beebe can enter the room with a brighter more intelligent conscience.
.
Posted by: eLwood![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 30, 2008 06:39 PM
Beebe will do, as always, only what is mandated by the court of public opinion.
Posted by: Basil![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 30, 2008 07:37 PM
New logo for AR plates
We Kill Retards, Naturally
Posted by: Eureka Springs, AR![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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July 30, 2008 08:05 PM