No Justice: No Victory

Susan Lee Campbell Solar

Edited by Susan Bright

Because state sponsored murder adds more anguish to society than it redresses, because people of color who are poor are over represented on death row, because our court systems are flawed and resources for defense are unevenly available, because healing for individuals and society comes not from retaliation, but from forgiveness, No Justice: No Victory is a welcome addition to the increasing body of abolitionist work which is turning American opinion against capital punishment.

Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking

Through keen and compassionate eyes, Susan Lee Campbell Solar helps us see why Texas leads the country in executions. The information she presents is grounded in scholarly research and compellingly written. Her insight into the corrosive effects of the death penalty on everyone, including the families of murder victims, should renew our courage to end this war against our own.

Richard Burr, death penalty defense attorney

Having to live your life as a family member of someone on death row is like being there yourself. Every pain they feel, you feel. In the case of an innocent man serving time, not only does it destroy the life of the accused, it also wipes out the hopes and dreams of a whole family and in the end, everyone loses -- no justice, no victory.

Arthur Curry, brother of Anthony Graves, Texas death row inmate

Even though I argued (and believed) evidence which clearly questioned his guilt in this case, Odell had committed several crimes in his past. This is not surprising because it would be hard to wrongfully convict a preacher or leader in the community. Most mistakes are made in cases where the defendant had other problems. This said, Odell Barnes was a different man on the day of his execution than the man who came to death row. His persistence, studies and hard work made him so. In the end, Odell was as much a source of strength for me as I was for him.

Gary Taylor, attorney for Odell Barnes

Solar hammers relentless fact after relentless fact about the state of Texas as a gruesome, out of control killing machine. This book is a remarkable and poignant achievement by Solar, a person who led a profoundly energetic life of involvement and activism. Our world needs many more like her.

Danny Yeager, Editor-in-chief, The Touchstone, www.tris.com/touchstone

ISBN: 1-891386-99-9, 326 pgs, $18.95