27 Years: From wrongful incarceration to exoneration
Norris Henderson spent 27 years behind bars at one of the country’s most violent prisons in the country, the notorious Louisiana State Prison at Angola, which sits on the site of a former slave plantation.
Norris Henderson, exonerated after more than 27 years in prison, spoke with Stetson Law students Oct. 28. Photo by Karun Rivero.
In 1977, Henderson was wrongly accused and convicted of second-degree murder. After his case was appealed, Henderson was released in 2003. He has since dedicated his life to helping others.
On Oct. 28, Henderson shared his incredible story with students in Stetson University College of Law’s Innocence Initiative.
Henderson was introduced by Professor Judith Scully, the Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law and co-director of Stetson’s Social Justice Advocacy program. “There are good people in this world and then there are extraordinary people. Our speaker today is extraordinary.”
In one breath, Henderson summed up his experience in Angola, “Bad experience, good results.” While incarcerated, he was the prison librarian for two decades, learning the law while helping fellow inmates with similar legal challenges. He also earned a degree in computer technology while behind bars.
Henderson shared his first-hand experience of racism and brutality in the criminal justice system. He urged the law students to never give up and never lose hope. He encouraged them to work within their communities and to fight against any type of injustice.
Today, Henderson continues his role as an advocate for criminal justice reform. He has created a number of non-profit organizations to provide a variety of services, including programs to help families of incarcerated individuals. He has been honored nationally for his community and civic service.
Post date: Nov. 2, 2015
Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
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