A South Carolina death row inmate who witnessed five friends’ executions now seeks to represent himself in court, potentially accelerating his own death sentence.
At a Glance
- James Robertson, on death row since 1999 for murdering his parents, wants to represent himself and drop appeals
- A federal judge delayed his request for 45 days to ensure he understands the consequences
- Robertson’s decision follows witnessing five fellow inmates’ executions, including his best friend
- His attorney argues he is not mentally competent due to depression and health issues
- The case highlights the psychological impact of prolonged death row incarceration
Inmate Seeks to End Appeals After Witnessing Friends’ Executions
James Robertson, imprisoned on South Carolina’s death row since 1999 for the murder of his parents, has requested to represent himself in court proceedings. This unusual move could potentially accelerate his execution date. Robertson was originally sentenced to death for killing his parents in a scheme to inherit their estate. His recent request comes after witnessing the executions of five fellow inmates, including his best friend, an experience that profoundly affected his outlook on his own situation and legal battles.
Federal Judge Mary Gordon Baker has postponed ruling on Robertson’s request for 45 days, appointing a different lawyer to assess whether Robertson fully understands the consequences of his decision. The delay reflects judicial concern about defendants choosing to represent themselves in capital cases, where the stakes could not be higher. Robertson has a documented history of attempting to drop his appeals, having previously fired his lawyers, citing dissatisfaction with their representation.
The Psychological Impact of Death Row Confinement
Robertson’s current attorney, Emily Paavola, argues that he is not mentally competent to make such a consequential decision due to depression and other health issues. This case highlights the severe psychological strain experienced by inmates serving prolonged periods on death row. The combination of isolation, uncertainty, and witnessing the executions of other inmates creates a unique form of psychological distress that can significantly impair judgment and decision-making abilities.
“It hasn’t changed my view. What it did was it made me understand — enhanced reality a bit — to see my best friend go from one day playing cards with me to the next day not being here any more,” Robertson said. “He basically has taken a similar route that I’m choosing to take now and we spoke often about his decision.”
Robertson’s case exemplifies a phenomenon known in legal circles as “volunteers” – death row inmates who choose execution over continuing with prolonged appeals processes. According to reports, the rate of such volunteers has declined in recent years, with only seven of 111 executions since 2020 involving inmates who dropped their appeals. This trend suggests changing attitudes toward the death penalty and improved mental health awareness within the prison system.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Robertson’s statement that “no ethical attorney will withdraw an appeal that will result in their client’s execution” underscores the ethical dilemma faced by legal professionals in these cases. The conflict between respecting a client’s autonomy and protecting them from potentially self-destructive decisions creates significant challenges for the justice system. This tension is particularly acute in capital cases, where the consequences of legal decisions are irrevocable.
“Since ‘no ethical attorney will withdraw an appeal that will result in their client’s execution,’ Robertson said he was ready to represent himself.”
Tommy Pope, the prosecutor who originally secured Robertson’s death sentence and now serves as Speaker Pro Tem of the South Carolina House, offered insight into the mindset of death row inmates who volunteer for execution. His perspective acknowledges the difficult choice between indefinite incarceration on death row and execution, a dilemma that many inmates eventually face after years of appeals and legal proceedings.
“If you told me — be incarcerated on death row the rest of your life or just go ahead and go to the Lord, you know, I might choose the latter too,” said Tommy Pope.
