Federal appeals court hears arguments in Troy Davis case ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - A three judge federal panel heard arguments Tuesday for and against the conviction of death row inmate Troy Davis.

In 1991, Davis was convicted of killing an off duty Savannah police officer.

In 1996, Congress gave federal judges the power to fix state convictions deemed to be unjust. In the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals, Davis' lawyers argued the law was meant for people like their client.

Outside court, one of those lawyers, Jason Ewart, said most of the 9 witnesses who testified against Davis at trial have since taken back their testimonies.

EWART: "The investigation uncovered 7 of 9 recantations and other evidence that shows Mr. Davis did not do it way back then."

State attorney Susan Boller told the judges that state courts, not federal ones, decide innocence or guilt. Boller also argued Davis has had ample legal recourse to argue his case.

It's unclear when the federal judges will make their decision. © Copyright 2012, WABE