Petition seeks formal pardons for Scottsboro Boys

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A formal petition has been sent to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles seeking an official pardon for the Scottsboro Boys, who were falsely accused of raping two white women more than 80 years ago.

The petition takes advantage of a law that passed the Legislature this year that established a procedure for such pardons.

The Legislature also passed a joint resolution exonerating the men.

University of Alabama assistant professor John Miller helped organize the petition drive. Miller says the petition includes signatures from district attorneys and judges in Morgan and Jackson Counties, where trials for the Scottsboro Boys were held.

Miller says the petition was sent to the board on Friday. Eight of the nine men accused of raping two white women in 1931 were convicted.

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