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CS/HCR 631 — Groveland Four
by Judiciary Committee and Reps. DuBose, Fischer, and others (CS/SCR 920 by Rules Committee and Senators Farmer, Torres, Bracy, Perry, Rouson, Rodriguez, Thurston, Book, Montford, Galvano, Powell, Stewart, Campbell, Braynon, Clemens, Rader, Gibson, Young, Mayfield, Negron, Baxley, Bean, Benacquisto, Bradley, Brandes, Broxson, Flores, Gainer, Garcia, Grimsley, Hutson, Latvala, Lee, Passidomo, Simmons, Simpson, Stargel, Steube, and Hukill)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The concurrent resolution acknowledges that Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd, and Ernest Thomas, the men who came to be known as the “Groveland Four,” were the victims of gross injustices and that their abhorrent treatment by the criminal justice system is a shameful chapter in this state’s history. The Legislature extends a heartfelt apology to the families of Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd, and Ernest Thomas for the enduring sorrow caused by the criminal justice system’s failure to protect their basic constitutional rights. Lastly, the Legislature urges the Governor and Cabinet to expedite review of the cases of Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd, and Ernest Thomas as part of their constitutional authority to grant clemency, including granting full pardons.
The concurrent resolution requires a copy of the resolution to be provided to the Governor, the Attorney General, the Chief Financial Officer, the Commissioner of Agriculture, and the families of the Groveland Four as a tangible token of the sentiments expressed therein.
Effective upon adoption on April 27, 2017.
Vote: Voice vote for both chambers