FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The legal team for James Duckett, previously scheduled for execution on Tuesday, March 31, issued the following statement after the Florida Supreme Court declined to lift the stay of execution:
“We are relieved that the court has intervened to halt this execution and allow time to consider Mr. Duckett’s request for the necessary analysis of the DNA results.
Let’s be clear: the delay occurred because the State chose to oppose efforts to allow the full analysis of the data that could provide conclusive evidence on the question of innocence or guilt. At a time when irreversible punishment was imminent, the State argued against taking steps to ensure the accuracy of the conviction. That position is deeply troubling.
DNA testing has time and time again proven to be a powerful tool for uncovering the truth – that is all Mr. Duckett asks. Refusing to allow the full analysis, particularly in a capital case, undermines confidence in the integrity of the system.
Mr. Duckett has consistently maintained his innocence. No system committed to justice should fear the results of objective scientific analysis. The State’s role is not to secure executions at any cost, but to ensure that justice is done.”
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