Saturday, March 18, 2017
Albert Woodfoxs Hour in the 5th A reportback on Alberts January 7 oral arguments
Albert Woodfoxs Hour in the 5th A reportback on Alberts January 7 oral arguments
MEDIA: Lauren McGaughy, Times-Picayune II Daily Journal / Associated Press II UPI
VIEW / DOWNLOAD: A3 info flyer for Jan. 7 II Listen to audio from the oral arguments II Rev. Patricia Bates / NRCAT statement
For those who were unable to attend, Alberts oral argument in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, defending Judge Bradys decision to overturn his conviction for a third time, is now complete (click here to listen). As expected, the proceedings were brief and rather mystifying. It was clear that most of the judges had already spent a great deal of time reviewing and considering the case, and were just tying up a few arcane legal loose ends.
The States Attorney General Buddy Caldwell watched carefully as his team urged the Court to reverse Judge Brady’s decision and reinstate Alberts conviction based on their now overruled version of the statistical story, and a misplaced deference to the broad powers given by the AEDPA. As you may recall, the AEDPA is a federal law used as the primary reason for reinstating Alberts conviction in 2010. It allows Federal Courts to defer judgment to previous Louisiana rulings against Albert if those rulings were not "unreasonable" or "contrary to clearly established federal law" – an insidiously squishy standard.
Alberts supporters filled the courtroom completely and his legal team deftly rebutted the States claims and fielded a handful of questions from the 3-judge panel, which included Judges Jolly and Higginbotham (both Reagan appointees), and Judge Southwick (a George W. Bush appointee). Judge Jolly was tied up in transit so participated only by phone and did not ask any questions of either side.
A decision is expected in coming months. Although it took the 5th Circuit almost a year and a half to rule last time, we are more confident than ever that a swift decision will soon come in Albert’s favor, finally releasing this innocent man from the solitary cell he was unjustly relegated to now nearly 42 long years ago.
The arguments were covered by the AP and in the Times Picayune both before and after. We will update you as soon as we have any additional information.
With hope for freedom.
VIEW / DOWNLOAD: A3 info flyer for Jan. 7 II Listen to audio from the oral arguments II Rev. Patricia Bates / NRCAT statement
 |
| (PHOTO: A3 supporters at the Court on Jan. 7) |
For those who were unable to attend, Alberts oral argument in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, defending Judge Bradys decision to overturn his conviction for a third time, is now complete (click here to listen). As expected, the proceedings were brief and rather mystifying. It was clear that most of the judges had already spent a great deal of time reviewing and considering the case, and were just tying up a few arcane legal loose ends.
The States Attorney General Buddy Caldwell watched carefully as his team urged the Court to reverse Judge Brady’s decision and reinstate Alberts conviction based on their now overruled version of the statistical story, and a misplaced deference to the broad powers given by the AEDPA. As you may recall, the AEDPA is a federal law used as the primary reason for reinstating Alberts conviction in 2010. It allows Federal Courts to defer judgment to previous Louisiana rulings against Albert if those rulings were not "unreasonable" or "contrary to clearly established federal law" – an insidiously squishy standard.
Alberts supporters filled the courtroom completely and his legal team deftly rebutted the States claims and fielded a handful of questions from the 3-judge panel, which included Judges Jolly and Higginbotham (both Reagan appointees), and Judge Southwick (a George W. Bush appointee). Judge Jolly was tied up in transit so participated only by phone and did not ask any questions of either side.
A decision is expected in coming months. Although it took the 5th Circuit almost a year and a half to rule last time, we are more confident than ever that a swift decision will soon come in Albert’s favor, finally releasing this innocent man from the solitary cell he was unjustly relegated to now nearly 42 long years ago.
The arguments were covered by the AP and in the Times Picayune both before and after. We will update you as soon as we have any additional information.
With hope for freedom.
Available link for download
