Justice4Caylee.org
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Florida's Death Penalty Laws Deemed Unconstitutional - Miaminewtimes

Go down

Florida's Death Penalty Laws Deemed Unconstitutional - Miaminewtimes Empty Florida's Death Penalty Laws Deemed Unconstitutional - Miaminewtimes

Post by mom_in_il Wed Jun 22, 2011 9:07 pm

Florida's Death Penalty Laws Deemed Unconstitutional
By Kyle Munzenrieder Wed., Jun. 22 2011 at 3:21 PM

Florida's particular method of sentencing prisoners to death has been deemed unconstitutional by Miami U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez today. The decision will not immediately strike down the law and didn't find the death penalty in and of itself unconstitutional. Though, it will guarantee convicted murderer Paul H. Evans will receive a new sentencing trial.

According to the AP, Martinez ruled the law unconstitutional because "jurors are not required to announce specific findings on aggravating factors required to justify the death penalty."

Jurors in Florida are only asked to vote on whether a convict deserves the death penalty by a simple majority vote, and only announce the finding. Though, the judge gets the final say in sentencing.

Martinez's ruling cited a 2002 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that jurors must disclose aggravating factors.

It's up to Attorney General Pam Bondi's office to appeal the decision.

Evans was previously convicted for the 1991 murder of Alan Pfeiffer after he was hired by Pfeiffer's wife.

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2011/06/floridas_death_penalty_laws_de.php
mom_in_il
mom_in_il
Supreme Commander of the Universe With Cape AND Tights AND Fancy Headgear
Supreme Commander of the Universe With Cape AND Tights AND Fancy Headgear


Back to top Go down

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum