Rick Perry

Has A Texas Execution Put Americans Abroad At Risk?

Thomas Lane | July 8, 2011, 5:55AM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

If the Obama administration's Solicitor-General is to be believed then the State of Texas has just caused "irreparable harm" to America's foreign relations. And if you also heed the warnings of numerous US diplomats and ex-military officials, then it has also jeopardized the safety of countless Americans overseas.

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Texas Hold 'Em

Will Perry Order Last-Minute Halt To Controversial Execution?

Thomas Lane | July 7, 2011, 5:55AM

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX)

For a convicted murderer, Humberto Leal Garcia seems to have plenty of powerful people in his corner. In the last few days appeals for delaying the execution of this death row inmate have come from the Mexican ambassador, various UN officials and even the Obama administration's Solicitor-General.

However, it's not really Mr. Leal they're defending, but a point of international law; a point that many say the US is obliged to uphold, and which Texas Governor Rick Perry will violate if he doesn't halt the killing.

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Rick Perry

Will Rick Perry Defy International Law (Again)?

Thomas Lane | July 2, 2011, 6:21PM

Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R)

It's Rick Perry v The World. On Thursday the Texas Governor (and possible Republican presidential player) will face a stark choice: allow the execution of Mexican national Humberto Leal Garcia, or listen to high-ranking international figures and grant a last-minute delay.

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Racial Justice Act

North Carolina Lawmakers Nearly Repeal 'Racial Justice Act'

Jessica Kim | June 17, 2011, 3:55PM

North Carolina State Capitol

After heated debate, a sharply divided North Carolina House on Thursday voted along party lines to repeal the Racial Justice Act, a law that allows death row inmates to challenge their sentences on the basis that race had played a role in determining their punishment. However, the move fell short by a single vote in the Republican-dominated Senate.

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