Fighting for a Just Cause

I do not support the death penalty and have recently decided to take action against what I see as a true injustice. If we do not speak out against injustice, we can commit a sin of omission and become just as guilty as the perpetrators. I sent the following letter to the Governor of Alabama to share my views on an upcoming execution.

April 20, 2011

The Honorable Governor Robert Bentley
State Capitol N 104
600 Dexter Ave
Montgomery, AL 36130-2751


Re: Mr. Jason Williams

Dear Governor Bentley:

The purpose of this letter is to request that you commute the sentence of Jason Williams, who is scheduled to die on May 19, 2011. I understand that you prayed for William Boyd prior to his execution last month. I want to ask that during any prayers for Mr. Williams you reflect on the following scenario:

Imagine that Jason Williams is one of your sons. For some reason your son committed a terrible act and now sits on death row awaiting his execution. Would you support your son’s death and ask the State to quickly execute your own child? I believe that you (like most parents) would ask for mercy. You would ask that his life be spared and that he be punished by remaining in jail until God decides to take him from this Earth.

Why should the treatment of Jason Williams be any different than your hypothetical treatment of your son? As a Christian I try to live by Jesus’ command to do unto others as I would have them do unto me. If Jason Williams were my child, I would beg the State for mercy because I could not stand to see my own child put to death. How then could I allow the State to do unto another parent what I would never want them to do unto me?

Your position gives you a unique ability to significantly and profoundly do unto another human being as you would have them do unto you. Jesus’ command had no disclaimers and no restrictions because “others” was meant to apply to everyone, even our “enemies.”

As I reflect on the Lord’s death this Good Friday, I will continue to pray that God moves your heart towards mercy and gives you the courage to stand-up to what must be your fear of being called “soft on crime.” Please have no fear, for when Jesus stopped the stoning of the adulterous woman, no one later accused him of being a soft on crime liberal. Even if they did, wouldn’t you still want to emulate him?

Very truly yours,


Jack T. Carney

Grace's Art Work

When I first moved into my Homewood office (about a year and a half ago), Grace gave me some artwork of her own. I proudly hung it next to my law school diploma and my bar license. When she was in my office the other day, she said, "Daddy, I can't believe you have those pictures. I just scribbled them." At the ripe old age of five, she was not impressed with her earlier work.

Lunch Meeting

Today Grace and Kate were having a great time playing outside. After a few minutes I realized they were playing "lunch meeting." Grace would tell Kate that she had to run to a lunch meeting and then she would hold the meeting, then run back to Kate and play with her. This happened again and again. I blame Grace's Mommy and Daddy.

Parents Night Out

Every month our church holds a "Parish Night Out," which is a great opportunity for church members to meet and mingle. The best part of the night is that we offer free child care, which is such an incredible ministry as it gives parents a gift of freedom to meet other like-minded people. I had the opportunity to serve as a nursery worker today and had a great time. My daughter really enjoyed craft time, as you can see below. By the way, all faiths are welcome, so please consider joining us in January 2011.

Christmas Comes Early

As I do not have a traditional 9-5 office job, I have the opportunity to have some unique experiences with my girls. My wife had a client meeting on Veteran's Day and I had the opportunity to spend the time with the little ladies. Fortunately, the Blue Willow, which is a local gift shop, had a Christmas event we could attend. I must commend the Blue Willow on an incredible event. The highlight of the morning was Grace's first opportunity to talk to Santa.

The children also had an opportunity to write a letter to Santa. Grace was really concerned that Santa would not be able to understand her younger sister's scribbling. Fortunately, Santa was most pleased with Kate's letter and said that he understood every word!

The Event was a party to honor the "Magic Elves." I was really proud of the girls as they were not afraid of the elves at all. I actually had to remove Kate so as to give other children a chance to meet the elves.

Lessons from a Four Year Old

Grace gave me another good lesson today. Out of the blue she said "Daddy, I like being a girl. I really like myself." I am in awe of her natural self-confidence and it is something I need to strive for myself.

St. Thomas More

I attended a meeting today of the St. Thomas More Society, which is a group of Catholic lawyers that meets monthly to discuss faith and the law. It may surprise many people that some lawyers are actually concerned about the morality of their daily actions. I really enjoy the dynamics of the group and discussing the struggle of living our faith in the "real world." We also recite a great prayer, which is as follows:

St. Thomas More Prayer

Lord, grant that I may be able in argument,

Accurate in analysis,

Strict in Study,

Candid with clients,

And honest with adversaries.

Sit with me at my desk,

And listen with me to my client's plaints,

Read with my in my library,

And stand beside me in court,

So that today I shall not,

In order to win a point,

Lose my soul.