BRIAN J. DORSEY
Press Release
For immediate release: March 22, 2024
Contact: Joseph C. Welling, 314-629-2492
BRIAN DORSEY ASKS COURT TO PROHIBIT UNCONFIRMED ACTING DIRECTOR FROM CARRYING OUT EXECUTION.
Attorneys from BCLP and Phillips Black have requested that the Cole County Circuit court prohibit the April 9 execution of Brian Dorsey from going forward under Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) Trevor Foley.
Owing to a political dispute within the state Senate, after the December short-notice resignation of the prior MDOC Director and Deputy Director, Governor Parson appointed an Acting Director without seeking Senate confirmation. Stymied by the legislature, Governor Parson has indicated he intends to leave this and other “acting” appointments in place for the remainder of his term.
Under Missouri law, MDOC’s Director has grave duties in carrying out executions, including appointing the secret execution team. Lawyers for Mr. Dorsey argue that, for that reason, it is vital that the Director be appropriately vetted and approved by the Senate, as required by law. The unconfirmed Acting Director’s experience is primarily in accounting.
The legal challenge comes amidst significant support for Mr. Dorsey, including 70 corrections officers, who have publicly opposed his execution.
According to Joe Welling, Phillips Black counsel for Mr. Dorsey, “When the government exercises the extreme power to execute one of its citizens, it should at the very least abide by its own laws, and ensure government appointees serve under the authority of the people, not above it. This is not the time to take shortcuts with what the law requires.”