Politics and courts
Article Abstract:
The capital punishment appeals of Leonel Herrera illustrate the political nature of judicial appointment. Herrera's attorneys appealed his murder convictions on the basis of an eyewitness who claims Herrera's innocence. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that new evidence of innocence is not grounds for habeas relief. The Supreme Court refused to grant Herrera a stay, although it did agree to consider whether execution of an innocent party is a violation of the Eighth and 14th Amendments. The anti-habeas bias of recent appointees to the federal courts is clear in these decisions.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1992
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Breast-feeding murder prosecution draws fire: despite protests and support, no appeal is planned
Article Abstract:
Karen Henderson will not appeal her conviction for felony child endangerment over using amphetamines while breast-feeding her 2-month-old son, Jason, who then died. Defense expert witnesses denounced the case as bad science, and international groups urged an appeal in which they would file supporting briefs. However, the jury had also deadlocked 11-1 in favor of convicting for second-degree murder, and prosecutors said they would seek a murder trial if the present verdict were overturned.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1995
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The homicide that almost slipped away
Article Abstract:
Dr. Ralph Erdmann, formerly forensic pathologist for several Texas counties, ruled that Terrie Trosper's May 1991 death was a suicide, but her remains were exhumed amid fears of foul play and her murderer, Ricky Lewayne Bradford, has now been convicted. Dr. Erdmann has surrendered his medical license and admitted through press reports that he fashioned his findings on the Trosper death to agree with police theories.
Publication Name: The National Law Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0162-7325
Year: 1992
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- Abstracts: Justices weigh a tax on judges; high court hears case over county levy that irks federal jurists. Festo case heads to high court; if a recent trend continues, justices will be less likely to defer to the Federal Circuit
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- Abstracts: A copyright bill stirs controversy. Do not support 'privatizing' of copyright law. Copyright protection extended to buildings