JURIST - Paper Chase: Execution of Crips co-founder sparks debate in California, outrage in Europe

[JURIST] The debate over capital punishment [JURIST news archive] in California has gained new momentum following the execution [JURIST report] earlier this week of Crips gang co-founder and convicted murderer Stanley Tookie Williams [advocacy website]. Both sides are wondering what impact Williams' execution will have on currently-scheduled executions and the future of the death penalty in California. California could execute at least five death row inmates next year, including Clarence Ray Allen, 75, the oldest condemned prisoner in the state, who is scheduled to be executed on January 17. Meanwhile, Europeans are expressing outrage and disappointment in the Williams execution, particularly with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision [PDF text; JURIST report] not to grant clemency. Members of the Green Party in Schwarzenegger's native Austria have called for Schwarzenegger's citizenship to be stripped [AP has more]. Wednesday's New York Times has more.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase...

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