Report of book launch - Jailhouse Lawyers: Prisoners Defending Prisoners vs the USA

Selma James, who edited and introduced the book, speaking

Lord Ramsbotham, former Chief Inspector of Prisons, speaking.

Ian Macdonald QC, who gathered over a hundred UK lawyers to sign a letter to the US court protesting the racism of Mumia Abu-Jamal’s case

Emmanuel De Silva II gave an account of overcoming illiteracy inside and winning justice, including against racism by the authorities

Lord Dubbs speaking.

Patricia Brown (Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association) highlighted the unjust laws which disproportionately target young people of colour for long prison sentences, often when they had no involvement in the crime for which they are convicted.

A new book by death row journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal was launched to great acclaim at an event hosted by Lord Ramsbotham, former Chief Inspector of Prisons, in the House of Lords last week. The book describes the work of prisoners who litigate against their jailers to win justice for themselves and other prisoners. “This is the story”, Mumia writes, “of law learned not in the ivory towers . . . [but] in the hidden, dank dungeons of America.”

Selma James, who edited and introduced the book, paid tribute to Mumia (as he is known to millions) who was falsely convicted of killing a policeman in 1982 after a trial drenched in racism. Her introduction presents the parallel universe of UK jailhouse lawyers who, like their US counterparts, are leading a justice movement inside prisons. She commented that the book strengthens the case for urgent prison reform, gives hope and is an effective tool against the death penalty everywhere.

Two prisoners spoke powerfully from the panel. John Hirst won the European ruling establishing prisoners’ right to vote. Emmanuel De Silva II, who against the advice of his lawyers appealed and reduced his sentence, gave an account of overcoming illiteracy inside and winning justice, including against racism by the authorities.

Ian Macdonald QC, who gathered over a hundred UK lawyers to sign a letter to the US court protesting the racism of Mumia Abu-Jamal’s case, credited jailhouse lawyers for their expertise and gave a glowing tribute to the book as a must-read. Niki Adams (Legal Action for Women) reported progress in Mumia’s legal case and Claude Guillaumaud brought greetings from the weekly Paris vigil for Mumia. Mothers and other family members and supporters filled the committee room, along with prison reform groups. Pauline and Andy Day spoke of their battle for justice for their son Paul who died in prison and Patricia Brown (Joint Enterprise Not Guilty by Association) highlighted the unjust laws which disproportionately target young people of colour for long prison sentences, often when they had no involvement in the crime for which they are convicted. CLINKS charity, Free Mumia UK, Friends of Bradley Manning, London SlutWalk, Prison Reform Trust and filmmaker Wil Francombe (‘In Prison My Whole Life’) among others, were in attendance. A moving recorded statement praising the book, by poet Benjamin Zephaniah based on his experience of prison, was warmly welcomed.

Lord Ramsbotham declared the meeting was one of the most memorable he had been to. He and later Lord Dubbs, who took over the chair when Lord Ramsbotham had to leave for an important vote, pledged to continue promoting the issues among policymakers and the media.

To order the book
http://allwomencount.net/Publications/Forsalepage.htm
Crossroads Books, PO Box 287, London NW6 5QU.
Tel: 020 7482 2496
crossroadsbooks@allwomencount.net