‘Death penalty is going to happen, OK?’
Donald Trump, 2015

We are the Oxford Amicus Society. We are a group of students passionate about defending human rights, such as the right to a fair trial. Over the course of the year, we have been putting on events and raising money for the charity Amicus.

Why Amicus?
Amicus is a small charity that helps provide representation for those facing the death penalty in the United States. They believe the death penalty is disproportionately imposed on the most vulnerable in society, violating their right to due process and equal justice before the law, or a fair trial. They aim are to provide better access to justice and to raise awareness of potential abuses of defendants' rights. To do this, they train and fund lawyers to make a difference through frontline work.

Why the death penalty?
The death penalty in the US is a huge cause of injustice for several reasons. Firstly, it punishes the innocent:
Since 1973, 150 people have been released from death row.
Analysts believe an estimated 4% of those killed on death row were innocent.
Secondly, it is not evenly imposed on all in society:
"Many Americans have begun to worry that the death penalty in this country is not reserved for the 'worst of the worst,' but for the poorest of the poor"
"Over 75% of murder victims in cases resulting in an execution were white, even though nationally only 50% of the murder victims are white"

We cannot standby whilst the most vulnerable in society are denied a fair trial and forced to suffer in silence.

On Sunday 13th May the Oxford Amicus Society will attempt to remain silent for 24 continuous hours.
Please support our symbolic protest, and help us end this injustice.

Find out more: http://www.amicus-alj.org
Donate today!

Thank you,

Oxford Amicus Society