The U.S. Supreme Court recently granted certiorari in Smith v. Cain, which presents this question: “[i]s there a reasonable probability that, given the cumulative effect of the Brady…violations, the outcome of [Juan Smith's 1995 murder] trial would have been different?”1 For anyone who believes that Brady is often honored in the breach, Smith is a case worth watching.
Factual Background
On March 1, 1995, several armed gunmen entered Reba Espadron’s New Orleans home.2 Eight people were inside playing cards and watching television. After demanding money, the gunmen shot and killed four people. A fifth person, Shelita Russell, was also shot but was conscious when police arrived. She died several days later. Three others were more fortunate: Larry Boatner suffered only a head laceration, and Espadron and Reginald Harbor, who were in a back bedroom, were unharmed. One of the gunmen, Phillip Young, was also shot and severely injured.
This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.
To view this content, please continue to their sites.
Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.
For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]
