Dylan visits Carter in prison. "The first time I saw him, I left knowing one thing...I realized that the man's philosophy and my philosophy were running down the same road, and you don't meet too many people like that". March 17, 1976: The New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously overturns the convictions, ruling that the prosecution withheld evidence favorable to the defense, and orders a new trial. Carter and Artis are released on bail. December 22, 1976: After a second trial in which the prosecution was allowed to argue for the first time that the murders were motivated by racial revenge, Carter and Artis are reconvicted; the same life sentences are imposed, and they are forced to return to prison. December 22, 1981: Artis is released on parole, after serving 15 years. August 17, 1982: The New Jersey Supreme Court, in a 4-to-3 decision, rejects an appeal for a new trial . November 7, 1985: Judge H. Lee Sarokin of Federal District Court in Newark, N.J. overturns the second trial convictions after finding that the prosecution committed "grave constitutional violations"; the convictions were based on "racism rather than reason and concealment rther than disclosure". November 8, 1985: The prosecutors argue that carter is dangerous and should remain inprison pending the state's appeal. Finding no evidence of dangerousness, Judge Sarokin orders Carter free without bail: "human decency mandates his immediate release". Carter served 19 years in prison. December 19, 1985: The prosecutors assert to the United Stats Thrid Circuit Court of Appeals that Carter is a danger to the community and should be reincarcerated pending appeal. January 17, 1986: The court rejects the state's arguments, and Carter remains free. August 21,1987: The U.S. Courts of Appeals upholds Judge Sarokin's decision throwing out the convictions. January 11, 1988: The U.S. Supreme Court denies the state's appeal, thus affirming Judge sarokin's rulings. February 19, 1988: The ...
