Confusing jurors to death; study claims penalty phase instructions need explanation
Article Abstract:
Issues regarding jury instructions in the penalty phase of capital murder trials are discussed. Studies document widespread juror confusion over the law governing imposition of capital punishment. ABA Death Penalty Committee Chmn Ron Tabak states the solution is clearer instructions in capital murder trials.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 2000
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Making sure Terry Nichols is executed; a mixed verdict by federal jurors turns attention to planned state prosecutions
Article Abstract:
The mixed verdict of against Oklahoma bombing defendant Terry Nichols in his federal Oklahoma bombing trial has increased public support for a state attempt to get Nichols the death sentence. At the federal level, Nichols's only capital conviction is now conspiracy, and experts feel the lack of a federal murder conviction makes a death sentence unlikely. The Oklahoma state attorney-general's strong interest in obtaining the ultimate punishment for Nichols and the lack of testing of the federal Death Penalty Act of 1994 are additional factors making the federal sentence unlikely.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1998
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Law schools urged to take death cases; national network would explore innocence claims but may face problems
Article Abstract:
The first-ever National Conference on Wrongful Convictions and the Death Penalty recommended that law school professors and private attorneys make up for death penalty resource centers' loss of funds. The conference encouraged other law schools to establish miniature versions of established death penalty clinics at Northwestern, Yeshiva University's Benjamin N Cardozo School of Law and the University of Washington School of Law. Some law school deans worry, however, about the time commitment required and doubt that they can obtain the necessary funds.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1998
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