John Hardwick
                         Death Row,  Florida
    
                    Information Provided By John Hardwick and his supporters
 


Hello, I am 44 years old, and have brown hair, green eyes, and weigh 180 pounds.  I have been on death row for two decades, and my deprived existence during this time has been confined to a 6x8 ft. cage.  I have self-educated myself concerning various subjects of US law.  I litigate prison rights issues, and do a substantial amount of legal work in my capital appeal proceedings, etc.  The government has imposed undue hardships on prisoners concerning civil and criminal litigation.  It is a struggle just to pay civil litigation filing fees, and be able to purchase a few law books.  I enjoy reading books concerning history, philosophy, political science, animals and ecology, etc.  I do not get to sit on the grass, or see the moon and the stars.  My life is limited to the steel and concrete that surrounds me.  You may think that as a death row prisoner, that I deserve to suffer.  But consider the following facts.  I was given pretrial and trial proceedings, wherein I attempted to discharge my court appointed lawyer, because he refused to summon defense witnesses to present a valid defense in my behalf.   I objected to the fact that no witnesses were presented in my so-called defense.  The aforesaid is recorded in my trial transcript.  So you could infer that I was railroaded to death row!  I recently was granted a modicum of judicial relief, but not what I am surely entitled to.  If you would like to correspond with me, and become sincere friends, then please send me a letter.  Thank you for reading this ad.   

                

John's Original CCADP Penpal Request :


 "FOR MANY YEARS I NEVER WROTE AN AD LIKE THIS SIMPLY BECAUSE I DIDN'T  WANT ANYONE ELSE TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH WHAT I DO.

LET ME EXPLAIN:  FOR SIXTEEN YEARS I'VE LIVED IN A 7 X 9 CELL-THAT IS THE SIZE OF MY ENTIRE WORLD...
 
you can well imagine how this isn't exactly the easiest situation. furthermore, being under a sentence of death only adds to the hardship. I was always afraid to become close to anyone in the free world.  how would a friend feel if I lost my appeals and was executed? this question, caused me a lot of grief, and prevented me from reaching out.

 Well, even though I still kind of feel that way, I now realize my attitude wasn't completely correct.   what finally convinced me is the fact that i could really use a friend. I've been here so long, without that type of contact, that I can barely describe how much I miss it.

The thing is, I'm also far along in the courts. I have a good issue, and may get relief--but there is no way to guarantee that. Honestly, this is an enormous weight on my shoulders, and I could really use somebody to talk with.

 Still, it's important I make something clear. I very well could lose my appeal. If so, the last thing I want is a person in my life who can't handle that. I don't want it on my conscience that I put  somebody through that.  However, if you're the kind of person who can deal with this reality, and you want to write a man who would surely appreciate a letter, than there isn't much I'd like better than hearing from you.

 What type of person am I hoping to correspond with? frankly, I'm open-minded. the main thing is it should be someone who is good-hearted, and who also puts a high value on friendship. I assure you, once I become friends with someone, it is for life. I'd certainly enjoy writing a person who thinks the same way, and who won't write a letter or two, never to be heard from again.

I have no problem writing someone older, or younger--but being 42, I have to admit I prefer those who are mentally mature (which I concede isn't always synonymous with age). I don't know how much longer I'll be on this earth, but I do know that every minute is precious to me. I'd like someone to discuss everything under the sun with, the sort of individual who will accept my honest
opinions, and give me theirs.  In other words, a person who will make the remaining years interesting and more enjoyable--and ideally if matters in court don't go well, that will be a long time indeed.

Who will you be writing? I can't imagine telling you about all the interests I had while free, or how I made a living etc. certainly all of that is a part of me, but don't forget, I've been locked up for almost two decades. Living in a cage kind of limits your ability to pursue one's interests--to put it mildly!

 My primary concern these days is to make it through this time, and keep the cell from getting the better of me. I think I succeed in that more often than I fail, and in many ways this is something I'm proud of. I love to read, mostly non-fiction, and especially law. I also exercise and help other death row inmates with their appeals.

 it's gotten to the point now where i do most of the work on my own case as well. I figured no one cares about saving my life as much as I do, so I put years of study into this, hopefully it will pay off. I'm not claiming to be perfect, living like this makes me grumpy and argumentative at times, but I believe I can honestly say this: if you write me, you'll be corresponding with someone who truly will appreciate your taking the time. ideally, if we become friends, i will be someone who constantly cares how you are, and hopefully both of us will benefit from plenty of interesting discussions. That's about all i can say, except that I'll be anxiously awaiting your letter.

I hope to hear from you soon,

John Hardwick

John Hardwick #073053  P-1227S
Union Correctional Institution
7819 N.W. 228th Str.
Raiford, Florida
32026-4410


                             John's Pen Pal Request:
                                                        


                            John Hardwick #073053  P-1227S
                            Union Correctional Institution
                                    7819 N.W. 228th Str.
                                        Raiford, Florida
                                            32026-4410


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This page was last updated July 13, 2004               Canadian Coalition Against the Death Penalty
This page is maintained and updated by Dave Parkinson and Tracy Lamourie in Toronto, Canada