James Edward Hardy has been imprisoned within the California penal system for over 36 years, the majority of his life. He is innocent.

After an egregious appeal process of over 25 years, he was finally released from Death Row, only to be given given life without parole. He then served an additional ten years, even though the California Supreme Court agreed that he was not the killer he was convicted to be. Now, finally, the Ninth Circuit Court has ruled that he was not given a fair trial and that he is to be released or recharged with a new crime. He currently awaits a re-trial, locked up in downtown Los Angeles’ notorious Men’s Central Jail. He is innocent.

James Hardy has missed out on most of his life. He didn’t get to be a part of his children’s lives. Now he is missing out on his grandchildren’s lives as well. His health has been decimated by the system. Lack of nutrition and proper medical care has taken its toll on James Hardy. As he prepares for another epic battle in court he maintains a close bond with his family in hopes that he can one day prove that once and for all, he is innocent.   

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James E. Hardy's conviction has been overturned by the 9th Circuit Court but the fight is not over. Even though Jim Hardy has already served over 36 years convicted of a murder he did not commit, and has had his health desecrated by a system not willing to see the human being whose life has been stolen, Jim was arraigned in Los Angeles on June 22nd for a retrial. The fight for real justice, honor and life continues.

 

Watch the video of the court argument for case: James Hardy v. Kevin Chappell, Warden, No. 13-56289

 

9th Circuit Documents