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.

Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer spoke at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law on Monday, September 12, 2011. Prior to his address, we produced and played an introductory video reflecting on Breyer’s 17+ years of service on the Court. We integrated commentary by Professors Sheldon Nahmod, Carolyn Shapiro, and Edward Lee with selections from Justice Breyer’s majority opinion announcements, dissents from the bench, and oral arguments. Please watch the video, now in two parts. Feel free to share this with others who may share an interest in Justice Breyer’s career.

We shall link or post Breyer’s remarks in the next few days.

This video offers some perspective from Justice Kagan’s first year on the bench. It is informative and entertaining.