Statement By U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush on the Illinois State Supreme Court Ruling On Former Gov. Ryan Death Row Commutations

Chicago, IL. ---- U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL.) released the following statement:

"I strongly support the Illinois State Supreme Court decision to uphold former Gov. George Ryan's gubernatorial powers to commute the sentences of 167 prisoners on death row to life in prison, and to pardon 4 others. I continue to believe that the death penalty, as a form of punishment, is not punishment at all, but rather murder executed by the state."

"The Illinois Supreme Court affirmed that (the) governor (can) 'use clemency power in its intended manner to prevent miscarriages of justice in individual cases.' I believe that this ruling will continue to build the momentum needed to reexamine this issue and develop national legislation that will protect innocent people from a faulty criminal sentencing system." Congressman Rush continued, "further, this ruling encourages each state, with a death penalty system in place, to take the time to reexamine the process. Presently, there are 38 states and the federal government, that still utilizes the death penalty system.

The American prison system is fraught with problems on every level and the Illinois Supreme Court recognizes that these problems are not unique to Illinois."