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Able Quote by Nat Hentoff

“In our country, [habeas corpus ] means that if you've been sentenced and convicted in a state court, either to death or to some other kind of sentence, you have the right to petition a federal court to review what happened to you. And until [Bill] Clinton, you had three, four, five, even more…” quote by Nat Hentoff
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“In our country, [habeas corpus ] means that if you've been sentenced and convicted in a state court, either to death or to some other kind of sentence, you have the right to petition a federal court to review what happened to you. And until [Bill] Clinton, you had three, four, five, even more years I collect records of people who have been on death row for eight, 10, 12, 14 years - this is before Clinton - who finally got a decent lawyer, usually a pro bono lawyer, and an investigator, and were able to find out - they - they're but approved that they're - that they were innocent.”

Nat Hentoff

About This Quote

Source Article: Legal Commentary, Nat Hentoff, 1995

Habeas corpus allows federal courts to review state convictions, preventing wrongful imprisonment and ensuring justice.

In simple terms: Legal review protects against wrongful imprisonment.

Key Takeaway

Support robust habeas review to safeguard rights.

Themes

justice law rights due process

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

legal educational

When to use this quote

  • prisoner appeals
  • law school curricula
  • policy reform
  • public awareness campaigns

Key Concepts

legal safeguards civil liberties judicial review

Questions to Reflect On

  • How effective is habeas corpus today?
  • What reforms could speed up wrongful conviction reviews?
A Different Perspective

Legal delays can still leave innocent people incarcerated.

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