Amplifying its ban against execution of the insane, a closely divided United States Supreme Court on Thursday overturned the death sentence of a delusional Texas murderer who insisted that he was being punished for preaching the Gospel. Here's the link New York Times,
Amnesty International , now only the second most hated amnesty in Washington, said of the ruling, "The Supreme Court has taken a much-needed step toward a more humane America."
Though this excerpt below describes the defendant's behavior at trial, I imagine it also describes exactly how Bush will defend himself if ever prosecuted for anything.
He appeared with a Tom Mix cowboy hat slung over his back, wearing purple western shirts and cowboy boots. He tried to subpoena Jesus and repeatedly ignored Judge Ables’s orders.
4 Responses to “SCOTUS blocks execution of delusional killer”
They actually didn't overturn the death sentence; they remanded the case to the district court to reconsider the habeas petition under the proper standard (because the 5th circuit used a too-restrictive standard to determine if he was competent to be executed.)
This being the 5th circuit, I predict they still deny habeas and find him sufficiently competent to be executed even under the new standard.
Overturned is probably not the right word, that's the New York Times wording above. But still they drew a line there somewhere.
In other news regarding the 5th, I think the 5th does not correct apply the clearly erroneous standard. I wrote a brief on it once. I think cert was denied; I don't work at the firm anymore. But anyway, if we voted on which circuit was the worst, they'd get my vote. (I know you people all hate the 4th, but whatever.)
President Kennedy was also on his witness list. And I'd say that him and Jesus are pretty good character witnesses.
I'm with those who vote on the 4th being the worst, most reactionary circuit in the USA. Ain't nobody can beat the 4th.