End Racial Disparities in Sentencing in North Carolina

Recent signers:
Jenna Miles and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

In the heart of Raleigh, NC, a glaring injustice has unfolded, capturing the attention of all who seek fairness within our legal system. Corey Henderson, a Black man from a working-class background, faces the devastating effects of our justice system's disparities. Convicted of an offense tragically involving prior DWIs and a loss of life, Corey was sentenced to over 30 years in prison.

Contrast this with the case of Dr. Raymond Cook, a white physician convicted of a comparable offense, also revolving around prior DWIs and leading to the death of a young woman. His sentence? Merely three years, with the option to serve time through home visitations. This stark discrepancy epitomizes the racial disparities that consistently afflict our legal framework, not only tarnishing North Carolina's justice system but also threatening the principles of equality nationwide.

Racial inequalities in sentencing are not just numbers on a page; they represent lives forever altered by a skewed system. According to a study by the National Registry of Exonerations, Black individuals in the United States are more than six times as likely to be incarcerated as white individuals. This disparity is further compounded by the knowledge that Black men, on average, receive sentences almost 20% longer than white men for similar crimes, as reported by the United States Sentencing Commission.

The justice system should be a pillar of trust and fairness, yet when an individual's race skews their judgment, its integrity is irreparably compromised. We call upon the judicial leaders of North Carolina, particularly those in Raleigh, to address these inequities, scrutinize their sentencing guidelines, and ensure that justice is truly blind to the color of one's skin.

Our community demands reform. It demands actions that demonstrate a commitment to justice that holds true, regardless of racial background. Stand with us in urging the state of North Carolina to rectify these injustices and to serve as a beacon for equality for the entire nation.

Join us in demanding that racial biases in sentencing be confronted and corrected, ensuring that Corey Henderson, and others like him, receive fair and just treatment under the law. Sign this petition to support judicial reform and bring about necessary change in the judicial system to prevent further racial disparities in sentencing. He's has already served 16 years and has shown remorse for his actions. You can explore a constitutional challenge based on Equal Protection under the 14th amendment and the 8th amendment arguing that Corey's Henderson sentence is unfairly harsh due to his race, especially when compared to a similar case like Raymond Cook's. I respectfully submit this petition to request for help for Clemency for Corey Henderson, who has served 16 years already in prison following a tragic DWI accident. This petition is not about absolving responsibility it is about recognizing excessive punishment, correctly racial injustice, and affirming that our justice system must be fair to all. We strongly believe that Corey 's sentence is disproportionately severe particularly when viewed alongside similar cases involving white defendants with nearly identical circumstances who received significantly lighter sentences. We respectfully ask that Corey Henderson's sentence be commuted to time served, allowing him to re-enter society. He has already spent over 16yrs on custody far more than others convicted in comparable cases. Thank you for your time n hopefully your help in getting Clemency for Corey Henderson. 

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Recent signers:
Jenna Miles and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

In the heart of Raleigh, NC, a glaring injustice has unfolded, capturing the attention of all who seek fairness within our legal system. Corey Henderson, a Black man from a working-class background, faces the devastating effects of our justice system's disparities. Convicted of an offense tragically involving prior DWIs and a loss of life, Corey was sentenced to over 30 years in prison.

Contrast this with the case of Dr. Raymond Cook, a white physician convicted of a comparable offense, also revolving around prior DWIs and leading to the death of a young woman. His sentence? Merely three years, with the option to serve time through home visitations. This stark discrepancy epitomizes the racial disparities that consistently afflict our legal framework, not only tarnishing North Carolina's justice system but also threatening the principles of equality nationwide.

Racial inequalities in sentencing are not just numbers on a page; they represent lives forever altered by a skewed system. According to a study by the National Registry of Exonerations, Black individuals in the United States are more than six times as likely to be incarcerated as white individuals. This disparity is further compounded by the knowledge that Black men, on average, receive sentences almost 20% longer than white men for similar crimes, as reported by the United States Sentencing Commission.

The justice system should be a pillar of trust and fairness, yet when an individual's race skews their judgment, its integrity is irreparably compromised. We call upon the judicial leaders of North Carolina, particularly those in Raleigh, to address these inequities, scrutinize their sentencing guidelines, and ensure that justice is truly blind to the color of one's skin.

Our community demands reform. It demands actions that demonstrate a commitment to justice that holds true, regardless of racial background. Stand with us in urging the state of North Carolina to rectify these injustices and to serve as a beacon for equality for the entire nation.

Join us in demanding that racial biases in sentencing be confronted and corrected, ensuring that Corey Henderson, and others like him, receive fair and just treatment under the law. Sign this petition to support judicial reform and bring about necessary change in the judicial system to prevent further racial disparities in sentencing. He's has already served 16 years and has shown remorse for his actions. You can explore a constitutional challenge based on Equal Protection under the 14th amendment and the 8th amendment arguing that Corey's Henderson sentence is unfairly harsh due to his race, especially when compared to a similar case like Raymond Cook's. I respectfully submit this petition to request for help for Clemency for Corey Henderson, who has served 16 years already in prison following a tragic DWI accident. This petition is not about absolving responsibility it is about recognizing excessive punishment, correctly racial injustice, and affirming that our justice system must be fair to all. We strongly believe that Corey 's sentence is disproportionately severe particularly when viewed alongside similar cases involving white defendants with nearly identical circumstances who received significantly lighter sentences. We respectfully ask that Corey Henderson's sentence be commuted to time served, allowing him to re-enter society. He has already spent over 16yrs on custody far more than others convicted in comparable cases. Thank you for your time n hopefully your help in getting Clemency for Corey Henderson. 

The Decision Makers

Jeff Jackson
North Carolina Attorney General
Paul Newby
North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice - Seat 1
Josh Stein
North Carolina Governor

Petition Updates