4:00-6:00pm Session

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University
24th Annual Peace Studies Conference

"Toward a More Sociable World: The Struggle Against the Death Penalty and the Legitimation of Violence"

September 19, 2011
Quad 264, Saint John's University
Free and open to the public 

2:00-4:00pm (Quad 264)
Movie and Discussion "At the Death House Door"

At the Death House Door follows the remarkable career journey of Carroll Pickett, who served 15 years as the death house chaplain to the infamous "Walls" prison unit in Huntsville, Texas. Pickett ministered to 95 men who were executed, including the very first lethal injection done anywhere in the world. After each execution, he recorded a riveting audiotape account of that fateful day. No inmate's execution would haunt Pickett more than that of Carlos De Luna, a young convict whom he firmly believed was innocent. The film tracks the investigation of two reporters who turn up compelling evidence that suggests Pickett was right.

Discussants: Randy Steidl and Art Laffin