A North Carolina judge ruled in favor of Hasson Bacote, a Black man sentenced to death in 2009, finding that racial bias played a role in his capital trial. This ruling could impact the 122 other inmates on death row in the state, allowing them to challenge their sentences under the Racial Justice Act of 2009. Bacote’s case highlighted evidence of discrimination in the jury selection process, leading to his death sentence being commuted to life in prison. Outgoing Governor Roy Cooper commuted the death sentences of 15 inmates, including Bacote, to life without parole, citing factors such as the potential influence of race in the case. The ACLU, representing Bacote, praised the ruling as a step towards justice for those facing similar biases.
State Attorney General Jeff Jackson plans to appeal the ruling, while the Racial Justice Act, repealed in 2013, continues to impact cases filed before its repeal. Bacote’s case focused on the history of racial discrimination in jury selection in Johnston County, with prosecutors being more inclined to strike Black jurors. The defense argued that derogatory language used during Bacote’s trial perpetuated racial stereotypes. Despite disagreement from state prosecutors about the impact of race on Bacote’s sentence, the judge concluded that racial bias did influence the case.
The ruling illustrates the ongoing battle against racial discrimination in the criminal justice system, with the hope of ensuring fair capital trials. The political landscape around the death penalty and racial justice in North Carolina may continue to evolve under new leadership.
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