Paul, Weiss and Council Member Charles Barron Announce Press Conference Supporting Executive Clemency for Woman Convicted of Murdering Her Abuser.NEW YORK New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of -- Council Member Barron Will Introduce a Resolution Calling for Governor Pataki to Grant Executive Clemency executive clemency n. the power of a President in federal criminal cases, and the Governor in state convictions, to pardon a person convicted of a crime, commute the sentence (shorten it, often to time already served), or reduce it from death to another lesser to Sharon Richardson At a meeting this morning of the New York City Council The New York City Council is the lawmaking body of the City of New York. It comprises 51 members from 51 council districts throughout the five boroughs. The Council serves as balance of power against the mayor in a "strong" mayor-council government model. , Council Member Charles Barron Charles Barron is currently a Democratic New York City Councilmember. A former member of the Black Panthers, he is campaigning for Brooklyn Borough President. He contemplated running for mayor of New York City in the 2005 election, and in 2006 was a primary candidate for a seat in will introduce a resolution calling for Governor Pataki to grant executive clemency to Sharon Richardson, a 45-year old mother of two who has served more than 14 years at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for conspiring to have her abusive boyfriend murdered. The City Council meeting will be followed by a press conference on the steps of City Hall at noon, conducted by Council Member Barron and attended by the Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison attorneys representing Ms. Richardson in her application for clemency Leniency or mercy. A power given to a public official, such as a governor or the president, to in some way lower or moderate the harshness of punishment imposed upon a prisoner. Clemency is considered to be an act of grace. . Council Member Barron's resolution asks the City Council to add its support to this compelling case given the physical and sexual violence Ms. Richardson suffered at the hands of her abusive boyfriend, who was killed in 1990 by five young men in the apartment the couple shared, and Ms. Richardson's participation "in countless rehabilitating programs, humanitarian activities and educations initiatives." In addition, the resolution recognizes that, although Ms. Richardson faces life in prison, most of the men who brutally stabbed Mr. Bridges to death are free. If successful, Ms. Richardson will be only the third battered woman in the history of New York
New York, the "Empire State" has been at the center of American politics, finance, industry, transportation and culture since it was created convicted for the death of her abuser to be awarded clemency. Paul, Weiss has represented Ms. Richardson since 1999 and is handling her clemency application to Governor Pataki. Paul, Weiss associate Stacey Shortall notes how "Ms. Richardson has proven time and again that she is a model inmate with an impeccable prison record and no prior criminal convictions. She has completed numerous rehabilitation programs, working in high security areas of the facility and is generally considered one of the most trustworthy prisoners at Bedford Hills." United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. Congresswoman Nita Lowey, New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, New York Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, and New York City Council Members Charles Barron and Letitia James have written letters of support to the Governor calling for Ms. Richardson's clemency application to be granted. Over 800 people in Brooklyn, and more people from around the country, have signed a petition supporting Ms. Richardson's application. Community support is increasing as more people read the feature story about Ms. Richardson in the December issue of Essence magazine and review growing coverage in Brooklyn community papers. As the Paul, Weiss attorneys handling Ms. Richardson's application count down to Christmas Eve, when the Governor's decision will be announced, they hope that the New York City Council will now add its support to this important case. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP LLP - Lower Layer Protocol is a globally oriented, full-service firm of over 500 attorneys, with offices in New York, Washington, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Beijing. From its New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. base, the firm is engaged in a diverse international practice. |
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