The rules of the appeals game have changed for numerous death-row inmates across the country because of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Atkins v. Virginia that banned the execution of the mentally retarded.
The decision will have a notable effect in Pennsylvania, where experts estimate that 10 percent of death-row inmates are, or possibly are, mentally retarded. As one of 20 states that previously allowed executions of the retarded, Pennsylvania most likely will see a wave of litigation and negotiation over certain death-row inmates, much to the dismay of some prosecutors.
This content has been archived.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]
