'Race pervades death penalty;' study by anti-death group makes stark charges

Article Abstract:

The Death Penalty Information Center has completed a report finding that African American defendants are four times more likely to receive a death sentence than white defendants and that execution is more likely when the murder victim is white. The report was based on evaluations of 1,000 Philadelphia homicide cases over 10 years. Some experts predict the report's conclusions may revive a congressional bill to counter the US Supreme Court case barring defendants from claiming racial disparity as a defense against execution.

Reports, Discrimination in criminal justice administration, Criminal justice discrimination, Death Penalty Information Center

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Foes seek to kill N.Y. death penalty: lawyers say jury's role in new law's penalty phase makes challenges likely

Article Abstract:

Opponents are preparing challenges to NY's new death penalty law, passed and signed after 19 years of debate. Supporters say the unique hung-jury option of NY Penal Law Sec 60.06 will work in favor of defendants, not the other way around as their foes charge. If a jury cannot agree unanimously on either death or life without parole, the court must impose a sentence of 20-25 years to life. Jurors leaning toward one of the stiffer options might vote for the other to avoid the lesser, court-imposed sentence.

Laws, regulations and rules, Sentences (Criminal procedure), New York (State)

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Abortion foes returning to state battlegrounds; president's veto of federal ban triggers new drive to bar late-term procedure

Article Abstract:

The abortion issue continues to trigger much emotion, with the pro-life movement using Pres Bill Clinton's 1996 ban on late-term abortion as a trigger to promote state bans. The tactic seems to have been successful, as 25 state legislatures have laws banning late-term abortions pending, and nearly 15 others expect similar bans to come in 1997. Janet Crepps, a Center for Reproductive Law and Policy attorney, describes abortion arena activity as the most intense she has ever seen.

Political aspects, Pro-life movement, Abortion, states

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