Illinois Clemency Project For Battered Women Argues for Release of 18 Women Convicted of Killing Partners

The Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women will argue for the release of 18 battered women, presently in jail for killing or injuring abusive partners, at hearings from July 11-14 before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. On Thurs. July 13, attorneys from the Clemency Project will hold a news conference regarding the hearings.

The Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women is a group of lawyers, activists, formerly incarcerated women and law students who file clemency petitions on behalf of battered women throughout the state. Last year the Illinois Clemency Project filed 12 petitions and Governor Edgar released 4 of these women, each of whom had suffered years of abuse.

The petitions and oral arguments have been prepared by students and faculty at the University of Chicago Law School, the University of Illinois Law School, DePaul University School of Law, Chicago-Kent College of Law and Northeastern Illinois University. The Clemency Project is assisted by practicing lawyers in Chicago and Champaign.

The July 13 news conference will be held during the lunch break following the morning round of arguments before the Review Board. Margaret Byrne, Illinois Clemency Project Director; Mary Becker, University of Chicago Law School professor; as well as University of Chicago law students, relatives of the incarcerated women and other members of the Illinois Clemency Project will be present to answer questions. WHEN: Thurs., July 13, 12:00 noon (scheduled hearing lunch break)
RE:The Illinois Clemency Project for Battered Women Arguments Before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board
WHERE: Illinois State Capital Building, Springfield, IL. Press Room-Mezzanine Level
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL:
Mary Becker at (773) 702-9596
Margaret Byrne at (773) 583-8016