NC hearing challenges 135 death sentences on alleged racial bias in jury selection
JOHNSTON COUNTY, NC (WTVD) — A hearing on Monday could challenge the sentences for 135 people on death row in North Carolina prisons.
The lead case is focused on 37-year-old Hassan Bacote. He’s a black man who was sentenced to death in Johnston County by a majority-white jury in 2009.
Bacote’s right, as well as 134 others, to challenge his sentence is a part of the Racial Justice Act.
The act was passed in 2009, where capital defendants can challenge their death sentences on the basis that race played a significant factor in decisions to seek or impose the death penalty.
During today’s hearing, the court will be forced to look at whether race plays a role in jury selection in capital cases.
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