32 Comments

First of all, I think that death penalty should be abolished. In this day and age, in this 21st Century, death penalty should not exist anymore.

The juror’s racist statement and the mostly white jury selected already and clearly displayed bias in this trial. Julius Jones deserves a new and fair trial to re-examine everything that was overlooked and select a diverse jury. Like you mentioned, unfortunately, this kind of story happens way too often with African Americans…the justice system always treat the African Americans like second class citizens…like there are nobody…sad☹️

Thanks for shedding light on this, Ari.

I will continue to tune in to find out which direction this case will go.

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You can tell a white post.

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Nov 3, 2021Liked by Ari Melber

He is a black man, what chance does he have of having a fair trial, it is sad

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How could be equal justice under the law? Those data you identified about rates of death penalties for black Americans compared to white Americans is terrifying and incompatible with equality. I appreciate being educated about this enormous discrepancy despite feeling utterly demoralized by the state of our racist country. Another Ari eye opener.

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I saw the segment on your show last week. I was appalled that there wasn’t a mistrial after the juror’s statement.

I hope the Governor does the right thing and this man is not executed.

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author

Yes, procedurally it is up to the governor at this point.

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Unacceptable.. needs a fair trial.. not death😭😭😭😭😭

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Well stated. I don’t believe in the death penalty but I do believe in justice. I hope he’s granted clemency to save his life, but he should be entitled to a new trial based on the facts you’ve presented. Seems like another life destroyed by our legal system. Thanks for championing Julius, everyone needs someone on their side.

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While we can all hope that the Governor of Oklahoma accepts the recommendation of the Clemency Board, a sentence to life in prison is only just barely an act of mercy. Yes, Julius Jones may live a long, but not happy, life in prison, but I'm not sure that's a whole lot better than ending it sooner.

Rather, this man, and many in his situation, deserve a reconsideration of the evidence upon which he was convicted and an investigation into the sentiments of the jury who rendered the verdict. Even life in prison is far too harsh an outcome for a man who may not be guilty at all. Had his attorney put on a defense, we might not be having this discussion at all.

It is noteworthy, too, that the prosecution side of this and most other trials benefits from all the resources including large staffs of attorneys and investigators, crime labs, police resources and more. Where's the equity?

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founding

Hear hear

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One of many that have passed and many yet to come. Judicial levels is the head of white supremacy-no doubt it’s great reporting on it, or for Kamala Harris and Klobuchar to agree out loud as prosecutors they both witnessed racism. Yet here we are-out of control like 99 other problems.

Where do we begin? Harvard? Bar Association? Loop holes that allow memos and policy over actual laws.

Chris Rock said it right -

Just when you learn the laws they go and change them on you.

Tired Ari-everyone around me is checked out. No anger just feeling the urgency to help with no legal bone in my body.

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This is such a travesty. I wish we could abolish the death penalty. It never was or is fair. Only the poor people of color are executed. What a disgrace and so hateful.

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Thank you for your measured approach in drawing attention to this case. I tend to tune out when other media (TV, Internet, whatever) come off like "How dare you, as a Black person, not know or care about this??" I don't need to be told how to feel, just tell me about the failures of the justice system. That's what's important.

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It is evident Jones didn't get a fair trial because his attorney failed to defend him. There needs to be an appeal and an opportunity for all the facts to be presented.

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The injustice system for our black and brown communities. Public defenders should be held accountable for not doing their jobs to help.the clients they are assigned to defend. Thanks again Ari!!!

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Please follow up. obviously our justice system is racist. Please cover more on this ,on here.

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Hi Ari. What a heartfelt article. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. it`s a sad commentary on our system of justice for black people in America. God help us.

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founding

This case is beyond horrifying! More horrifying is the fact that is not uncommon! I pray for this man! We should all be frightened. Thank you for highlighting his case. What can be done? Where do we live? What is this place?

Linda Brilhart

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