Texas and other states which employ capital punishment are struggling to obtain the drugs needed for lethal injections. Progressive (and benevolent) European-based drug manufacturers have banned U.S. prisons from using their drugs in executions, a move that should be applauded. Death penalty states are now experimenting with new drug cocktails for the state-sanctioned murders, with […]
Wait… This is a Murder Trial?
Last week, a juror in Mississippi was held in contempt of court, fined $100, and jailed for two days after she fell asleep during jury selection and then did not return for the remaining voir dire after the lunch break. I’m not sure what angered the judge the most, but I’ve seen jurors fall asleep […]
Guns & Domestic Violence
Domestic violence situations can be dangerous not just for the victim of the attack. This article discusses attacks on law enforcement who respond to these calls. The story of a Kentucky sheriff who was murdered 40 years after he arrested someone following a domestic incident is incredibly disturbing, and close to home. The federal government […]
Vermont Civil Union Does Not Trigger Spousal Privilege In Kentucky
Yesterday, Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Susan Shultz Gibson issued an order in Commonwealth v. Clary, preventing a lesbian couple from invoking marital privilege in a murder trial. The defendant and her partner entered into a civil union in Vermont, though they were never married under any state law. Kentucky law prohibits marriages between people of […]
Fairness
Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Wine says his goal is “fairness.” Apparently, that means the Commonwealth will pursue the death penalty against everyone who is eligible, whether they are “two young men in the East End playing poker, or two young men in the West End playing dice.” It’s great news that our chief prosecutor is willing […]
Last Words of the Condemned
Please check out this slideshow of Last Words of people about to be executed. What strikes me is that there are basically three versions of remarks in the slideshow: appealing to some higher/religious power; apologizing and/or accepting responsibility; and maintaining innocence. As to the religious statements, I am sure there are some people on death […]