Articles Posted in Death Penalty

California Supreme Court Holds That Unanimity and Reasonable Doubt Do Not Apply to Death Penalty Sentencing Updated: Published by:

On Thursday, August 26, 2021, the Supreme Court of California issued a ruling in People v. McDaniel, establishing precedent that jury unanimity and reasonable doubt do not apply to the sentencing phase in California criminal law cases where the death penalty is warranted.

US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Breaks Three-Year Silence During Oral Argument Updated: Published by:

US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is (in)famous for remaining silent during oral arguments, but last week during the oral argument of Flowers v. Mississippi, he broke his silence to ask a question. The case presents a question about whether a Mississippi prosecutor engaged in unlawful exclusion of jurors on…

Governor Gavin Newsom Announces Moratorium on Capital Punishment in California Updated: Published by:

On Wednesday, March 13, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-09-19 (the “Order”) granting a stay of execution to the 700 plus inmates on death row in the state. The Order also closes the state’s death penalty chamber located in San Quentin prison and withdraws California’s legal injection protocol.…