Johnson: Does The System Work?

Marc Johnson /The Johnson Post compares the cases of Amanda Knox and Troy Davis, the Georgia Death Row inmate who died by lethal injection in September: “The story of the white, middle class Knox, constantly surrounded by supportive friends and family - people sophisticated enough to put and keep her story on the international news agenda – is at one level a textbook case of how good lawyers, good PR and a sympathetic central character can drive a courtroom narrative. By contrast, Davis, the African-American, high school dropout with a spotty work record never saw his case – and his 22 years on Georgia’s death row – seep into the national awareness until he was literally days from death. Supporters of Davis did succeed in stimulating a certain level of international outrage over what was seen by many as a simple, racially-inspired miscarriage of justice. All appeals failed, as did Davis’ claim that he had not killed a Savannah police officer in 1989, and his execution went forward.” More here. (AP photo: Amanda Knox, right, arrives from Rome with family members at Heathrow Airport London earlier today.)

Question: Would Troy Davis still be alive if he had the support and public relations effort that Amanda Knox had ?