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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Court Refuses to Reinstate Mumia's Death Sentence

Pa. judges order life in prison, or new hearing

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(Newser) – Famed death-row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal earned some measure of triumph today as a US appeals court refused to reinstate his death sentence, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Abu-Jamal was convicted in 1982 of killing a Philly cop, and has fought for retrial. The court upheld the conviction but said Abu-Jamal should face life in prison or get a new sentence hearing.

The appeals court fully agreed with a 2001 ruling that rejected the death sentence, saying jurors in the 1982 case might have been confused about unanimity rules. Abu-Jamal wants a complete do-over, contending the prosecution unfairly kept blacks off the jury in 1982. Today’s decision will almost certainly be appealed by one of the parties involved, the Inquirer notes.

A member of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Band salutes beneath a projection of slain Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner in Philadelphia, in this Dec. 8, 2006 file photo.
A member of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Band salutes beneath a projection of slain Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner in Philadelphia, in this Dec. 8, 2006 file photo.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Protesters in support of convicted murderer Mumia Abu-Jamal are seen outside the United States Courthouse in Philadelphia, Thursday, May 17, 2007.
Protesters in support of convicted murderer Mumia Abu-Jamal are seen outside the United States Courthouse in Philadelphia, Thursday, May 17, 2007.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Mumia Abu-Jamal, convicted of killing Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner, leaves a Philadelphia court July 12, 1995. A federal appeals court refused today to reinstate his death sentence.
Mumia Abu-Jamal, convicted of killing Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner, leaves a Philadelphia court July 12, 1995. A federal appeals court refused today to reinstate his death sentence.   (AP Photo/Chris Gardner, File)
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