Dead woman walking; commuted death sentence raises question whether females are treated more leniently

Article Abstract:

The commutation of the death sentence of Guinevere Garcia reminds observers that women criminals are often treated more leniently than men. Although women account for 13% of the murder arrests across the country, only 2% end up being convicted and receiving the death penalty. Many of the women who make it to death row have their sentences reversed on appeal. Since capital punishment came back in 1973, 64 of the 112 death sentences given women were reversed or commuted to life in prison. Only one of the 313 people executed since 1973 was a woman.

Capital punishment, Women criminals

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Decalogue debate back to square one; Ala. high court refuses to decide case on Ten Commandments in courtroom

Article Abstract:

The Alabama Supreme Court held the controversy in State v. American Civil Liberties Union was not justiciable and dismissed an Alabama judge's arguments that displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom was constitutional. The ACLU believes that its position will ultimately prevail, namely that all such religious displays in public buildings violate the constitutional separation of church and state. The Christian Family Ass'n is directing a campaign to place the Ten Commandments in every courthouse in the country.

Church and state, Alabama

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Peremptory-free zone; a federal judge won't allow such challenges in her courtroom

Article Abstract:

Federal Judge Constance Baker Motley in a May 9, 1996, ruling in Minetos v. City University of New York gave voice to a concern the courts have long had about the abuse of peremptory challenges by calling them a violation of equal protection and banning them in her courtroom. The judge stated that the Batson test did not root out racial discrimination but observers feel her decision may have been an aberration. Attorneys think the peremptory system should be improved but not abolished.

Peremptory challenges, Jury selection

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