Prof. Carolyn Shapiro comments on the role the Court played in the controversial execution of Troy Davis on September 21.

Davis was convicted for the 1989 murder a police officer in Savannah, Georgia, based largely on eye witness testimony. Many of these witnesses, however, recanted their testimony. After a series of hearings and appeals, including an order by the Court directing a federal district court to review the case, Davis was set to be executed.

A last minute petition for stay of execution to the Supreme Court drew intense public interest, especially in social media. The Court, however, declined to intervene a second time.