For 29 years, Herbert Palmer has been incarcerated, serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole, for actions that were an act of self-defense. At the time of Herbert’s conviction, South Carolina did not recognize a "stand your ground" or self-defense statute, which undoubtedly affected the outcome of his trial. Today, those laws exist to protect individuals who act to protect themselves, and we believe Herbert deserves the same consideration that others receive today.

In Herbert’s case, there are numerous factors that should prompt a reevaluation of his sentence. The absence of self-defense legislation during his trial left him without the opportunity to fully defend his actions legally. Now is the time to rectify this injustice. With already established laws and more awareness about the complexities of self-defense cases, we have a foundation on which to challenge the fairness of Hebert's life sentence without parole.

Moreover, for three decades, Herbert has been a model inmate, showing rehabilitation, personal growth, and readiness to be a contributing member of society upon release. Over 3,000 prisoners are currently serving life without parole for acts which would now fall under self-defense or "stand your ground” laws, highlighting this as not just an individual injustice, but a wider systemic issue needing reform.

The implementation of fairer self-defense laws must retroactively address cases like Herbert’s. Granting parole reconsideration would not only be a correction of past oversights but also a demonstration of our justice system’s commitment to fairness and the potential for rehabilitation.

By signing this petition, you are calling on South Carolina's legal system to review Hebert Palmer’s case with the lens of current laws and practices in self-defense. Help us overturn this life sentence without parole and give Hebert Palmer the second chance he rightly deserves.