Albert's 5th Circuit Hearing Tues March 3rd
Where, When & What to Expect
Albert's hearing is scheduled for this Tuesday morning, March 3rd in room 223 of the East Courtroom of the US Court of Appeals located in New Orleans at 600 Camp Street at 11am.
As you may recall, last July a Federal Judge (Brady) overturned Albert Woodfox's conviction. The State appealed this decision to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and March 3rd are the oral arguments for that appeal.
The oral arguments themselves are a very short and formal process. Albert's attorneys will explain to the court why Judge Brady did the right thing, and the State will try to argue he made a mistake in overturning the conviction. Each side will argue for 20 min, and then the court will take anywhere from 1-6 months to issue their decision.
If the 5th Circuit agrees with Albert's attorneys and upholds Judge Brady's ruling, then the State has 120 days to either retry or release Albert. They have already vowed to retry him. If the 5th Circuit agrees with the State, then the conviction is reinstated and Albert would have to start the appeals process all over again with a different claim if he wants to try to gain his freedom.
There are several other possible scenarios that could play out but those are the two most likely outcomes. Albert will not be at the hearing but it is open to the public.
A3 Action Solidarity Vigil at Lafayette Square
Join A3 Supporters 9am Tuesday Morning in New Orleans
Local supporters are gathering in Lafayette Square (a park) across Camp Street from the Courthouse at 9am for a solidarity vigil on Albert's behalf.
tshirts
Organizers are asking participants to wear black (or an A3 T-shirt if you have one).
Know The House Rules
Tips If You Plan to Attend the Hearing
Unlike Albert's recent bail hearing, Tuesday's oral arguments will be held in Federal Court which has very strict and formal codes of conduct. A few quick tips:
1. The courtroom only holds 50 people on a first come, first serve basis, so begin to go through security around 10:15am to be sure to get in and get a seat in time.
2. If you participate in the vigil, bring a change of clothes because no buttons, T-shirts or signs of any kind are allowed inside the courthouse.
3. Dress formally and expect to be searched. No cellphones or electronic devices of any kind are allowed.
4. Finally, Federal Marshals are allowed to remove spectators for even the most minor of perceived slights or disruptions. So please be extra careful to not talk, whisper, or communicate with each other once you step foot in the courtroom.
Looking forward to seeing many of you who are traveling to New Orleans for this event. Both Herman and Albert are optimistic that this might just be the defining legal moment where justice prevails. Stay tuned!
until soon,
Tory Pegram
A3 Campaign Coordinator
odsllc@gmail.com
504.338.2631
http://www.angola3.org
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