Commonwealth of Pennsylvania V. Mumia Abu-Jamal - 1982 Trial

1982 Trial

On December 9, 1981, around 3:51 a.m., Philadelphia Police Department officer Daniel Faulkner was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop of a vehicle driven by William Cook, Abu-Jamal's younger brother. In the altercation Abu-Jamal was shot and wounded. Officers arriving at the scene found a .38 caliber revolver, that belonged to Abu-Jamal, beside him. The cylinder of the revolver had five spent cartridges and Abu-Jamal was still wearing a shoulder holster. He was taken directly from the scene of the shooting to a hospital and was treated for his injury. He was charged with the first-degree murder of Daniel Faulkner, and initially retained the services of criminal defense attorney Anthony Jackson.

The case went to trial in June 1982 at Philadelphia's City Hall. Judge Albert F. Sabo initially agreed to Abu-Jamal's request to represent himself, with Jackson acting as his legal advisor. During the first day of the trial, however, this decision was reversed and Jackson was ordered to resume acting as Abu-Jamal's sole advocate by reason of what the judge deemed to be intentionally disruptive actions on Abu-Jamal's part. In all, Abu-Jamal was removed from the courtroom at least 13 times for disruption during the course of the legal proceedings and trial.