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Tue Sep 25, 2012 at 02:52 PM CDT
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(Keith Hampton is the Democratic Nominee for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals against Sharon Keller. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
Today is the 5th anniversary of the execution of Michael Richard, the death-sentenced inmate seeking an appeal who Judge Sharon Keller famously told, "We close at 5." Michael Richard had the due process right to have his appeal heard. Not only did Keller deny Richard his rights, but she concealed the incoming appeal from judges on duty thus actively blocking Richard's attorneys. Keller served as the judge, jury and executioner in the Richard case. That is not justice. Timeline of Execution Day: - Sept. 25, 2007 - The Supreme Court of the United States takes up a case regarding the procedure of administering lethal injection.
- That Morning - States across the U.S. halt lethal injections pending the decision of the Supreme Court.
- That Afternoon - Lawyers representing Michael Richard prepare an appeal based on the Supreme Court's action, but are delayed in filing it. They ask if the Clerk’s office could remain open for just a few more minutes past 5 p.m.
- 4:45PM - Judge Keller denies the request. She says, "We close at 5."
- 8:28 PM - Michael Richard is pronounced dead, having been executed by lethal injection.
- Years later - Sharon Keller is reprimanded by the Commission on Judicial Conduct, yet still serves as presiding judge.
In 2009, the Commission on Judicial Conduct found that her inaction “casts public discredit on the judiciary and the administration of justice” in Texas. With the condemnation from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and the harshest punishment in Texas history by the Texas Ethics Commission, there is no state agency left for Judge Keller to offend. Lawmakers chose not to impeach and remove her only because the voters will have that opportunity this November. |
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