Just hours before his execution on November 22, North...

Just hours before his execution on November 22, North Carolina death row inmate Marcus Carter had his sentence commuted to life in prison without parole by Governor Jim Hunt. Hunt stated: "[I]n cases where capital punishment could be imposed, we must go the extra mile to assure there is a fair trial. In the case of Marcus Carter, I am convinced that the overall circumstances of this case put that in question. Therefore, I cannot allow this execution to go forward." This is the second clemency of a death sentence issued this year. The legislative Research Commission studying the death penalty voted to recommend that the legislature abolish the death penalty for the mentally retarded, enact a Racial Justice Act, and declare a moratorium to further study the death penalty.