AM I NOT HUMAN?

This month’s Am I Not Human? post focuses on Gladys and Jamie Scott once again.

 

 

 

Former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour granted pardons or clemency to 215 people who were convicted of manslaughter, rape, murder and other crimes. Of these 189 were not in prison; most had been out of prison for years, often many years (ABC News, 2012).

Noticeably absent from that list of former and current prisoners in the state of Mississippi were Gladys and Jamie Scott.

The Scott sisters were sentenced to life imprisonment for an $11 robbery. They served 16 years of the sentence before being granted a release. Although Governor Barbour granted the release it was also done with the stipulation that Gladys had to donate a kidney to Jamie. This decision sparked additional controversy around the case because it was questionable if this condition set by Barbour could actually be met since it was unclear if Gladys would be a suitable donor.

At that time there was an international outcry to have the Scott released because of the harsh sentence imposed upon them for the robbery. The witnesses recanted on their original story about the sister’s involvement. They cited that they had been made a deal which allowed them to go free if they testified on behalf of the state. Even though Barbour ordered the release of Jamie and Gladys Scott he did not grant them clemency (Free the Scott Sisters, 2011).

Haley Barbour stated during a press conference that he was comfortable with pardons and clemency that he granted. He also stated that he believes in forgiveness and second chances. He recognizes the strong feelings of the victims and their families, and respects them, but the state does not carry out vengeance on their behalf (ABC News, 2012).

The Scott sister's release from prison was based on Jamie's health condition and the amount of money it cost the state to provide her with the necessary medical care. At that time former governor Barbour made it clear that if the sisters failed to follow his order regarding the kidney transplant their release would be revoked and they would be returned to serve out their sentences.

Gladys and Jamie Scott deserve to be granted clemency for the robbery that was committed. They were not the individuals who were responsible for stealing the money. The netted sum of $11 is at best petty theft and the initial sentence of double life was a harsh form of punishment for the crime. 

The Scott sisters will have to continue their legal battle to be granted clemency. If former governor Haley Barbour really believes that people deserve second chances in life why Gladys and Jamie were denied that opportunity?

On the 27th of each month a group of independent bloggers post on a variety of Human Rights topics for The Roots of Humanity blog. You can visit the site to learn more about the other issues that are featured this month. You can also obtain information on how you can become a contributor to this effort to education and advocate for Human Rights.