This isn't cruel and unusual punishment?

[Donutboy 0]

Justice Served? Man Serving Life Sentence For Stealing TV

Parole For 1970 Crime Denied 25 Times

TILLERY, N.C. -- Does the punishment fit the crime? That is the underlying question in our legal system. The answer to that question has changed over time.

In 1970, a day laborer named Junior Allen was given a life sentence for a crime he would likely get probation for today.

Some in the legal community believe the case demonstrates a need to bring the past more in line with the present, when you consider that North Carolina's prison population is 30 percent over capacity, with no sign of letting up.

A jury convicted Allen of second-degree burglary for stealing a $140 television set from a home in Johnston County. Judge James Pou Bailey sent Allen to prison for life.

After 33 years, Junior Allen still lives a

life of prison guards and razor wire,

wondering if he might ever make it

to the other side.

Justice Served? Man Serving Life Sentence For Stealing TV

[Tiger Al 0]

If everything in the article is all there is to it, then this is a despicable sin against God. That man should sue the state of NC for everything he can because, in essence, they stole his life from him.

[CCTAU 3,287]

If everything in the article is all there is to it, then this is a despicable sin against God. That man should sue the state of NC for everything he can because, in essence, they stole his life from him.

The only way he will ever get out is if he agrees NOT to sue. They have him now and only they can let him go. I had a distant cousin go through this tyoe of thing. Only it was never proved other than a confession under duress of 36 hour questioning. The state of Maryland knew they were wrong and knew he could sue. But he just wanted out. So he signed the papers and was released after almost 15 years for a crime that he did not commit.

There should be an inquiry into the parole board's actions and why this wasn't noticed. Also, this seems to be the exception, not the rule.

[TitanTiger 20,465]

How awful. Total miscarriage of justice. This really needs to get more national exposure.