NC: Governor Vetoes Repeal of Racial Justice Act

North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue today vetoed a bill that would have repealed the two-year old Racial Justice Act that allows death-row inmates to appeal their sentences based on statistical proof of racial bias. "I am--and always will be--a strong supporter of the death penalty," Perdue said in a statement to the News Observer. "I firmly believe that some crimes are so heinous that no other punishment is adequate. As long as I am governor, I am committed to ensuring that the death penalty remains a viable punishment option in North Carolina in appropriate cases." The governor went on to say it's important the death penalty be given "fairly and that the process not be infected with prejudice based on race."

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