FREEDOM MARCH 2009 – AUSTIN, TX 
RAISING AWARENESS OF WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS

AND UNITED VOICES FOR JUSTICE

WHAT:                  FREEDOM MARCH 2009  -- a coordinated multi-state event to raise awareness of wrongful convictions, spotlight the need for criminal justice reform and show support for a moratorium on the death penalty.  With over 2 million in jails & prisons – more documented prisoners per capita than any other country in the world -- the USA has become Incarceration Nation.  On June 27, 2009, marchers are gathering in state capitols across America, including in Austin, Texas.   Early response has been strong – states with confirmed marches in the capitol cities include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, North Carolina, and South Carolina.  Freedom March 2009 is an opportunity to raise united voices for justice.

WHERE:                The march will begin at 9:00AM at Republic Park in downtown Austin  and proceed north to the south steps of the Texas State Capitol.   Speakers & presentations will occur at the State Capitol from 10AM to 11AM.

WHEN:                  Saturday, June 27,  2009  9:00 A.M. – 11 A.M.                                      

WHO:                    Completely organized by grassroots volunteers

                                National event website:  www.freedommarchusa.org/

                                Other organizations represented:   TBD

CONTACT:         

About Freedom March 2009 

Modern science and technology have shaken the once strong faith many once placed in the accuracy of judgments made by our criminal justice system. Thanks to DNA analysis of biological evidence, hundreds have been exonerated—many after spending years on death row.  Research by D. Michael Risinger, Professor of Law at Seton Hall indicates that 3.3%-5% of those convicted of crimes are factually innocent. Those who value justice demand that the criminal justice system apply the lessons to be learned from the many cases of wrongful conviction, and support policy initiatives that:

1.             Raise the accuracy rate in judgments of guilt and innocence.

2.             Resolve credible post-conviction claims of innocence.

3.             Remedy the tragic impact of wrongful convictions.      

For those who are guilty of crimes, we support enlightened approaches to incarceration that nurture genuine rehabilitation and reintegration of productive citizens whenever possible.

AUSTIN:

Lucy Frost

Event Coordinator

512-844-2520

justicereform@gmail.com

The march will begin at 9:00AM at Republic Park in downtown Austin and proceed north to the south steps of the Texas State Capitol.  Speakers & presentations will occur at the State Capitol from 10AM to 11AM.                          

WHEN:   Saturday, June 27,  2009  9:00 A.M. – 11 A.M.