Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship

by Gregory Boyle

I only agree to testify as a gang expert in death penalty cases. This opportunity generally comes in the sentencing phase, and because I deeply oppose the death penalty, I often try to give a jury context to help them understand why the defendant became a gang member in the first place. You hope that some “There but for the grace of God . . .” kicks in for even one jury member so that a life is spared. Sometimes I’ve known the defendant, most times not. Until we come to our senses and decide to stop executing people, I will continue to take the stand and do what I can. I’ve done this maybe fifty times; only twice have the defendants been sentenced to death. I’m asked by defense attorneys how much I charge for my testimony. “Nothing,” I tell them, “and be sure to ask me that on the stand.” They usually do, and it allows me to state my opposition to the death penalty. This always sends both attorneys and the judge to holler and ask everyone in the courtroom to kindly ignore what has just been said. But even so, it hangs there in the air. And you hope it did some good.