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Death Penalty Constitutionality Argument Riles Texas

TX courts are currently reviewing the constitutionality of the death penalty, reports the Houston Chronicle. As the Houston Chronicle indicates, some Texas lawmakers aren't too keen on the idea of the death penalty being labeled unconstitutional. Local Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos reportedly ordered prosecutors to stand mute during a hearing meant to determine whether the death penalty is unconstitutional within the state.
Endangering innocents with death penalty
The first time that the constitutionality of the death penalty is being argued in the idea of eliminating an innocent man has happened in TX lawful history now with the case with the 25-year old defendant John Edward Green case who was accused of a 2008 robbery and slaying in southwest Houston getting him the death penalty. Green's defense team maintains the client's innocence.
The defense team is fighting that the death penalty is unconstitutional. This has brought the case to a deadlock with the decision made by Pat Lykos and the criminal prosecution to stand mute as a response. The defense could be able to present its case while the prosecution has to sit without doing any kind of defending and listen to it. At first, District Judge Kevin Fine decided it was a bad idea to let the prosecution stand mute, although he changed his mind later because of these circumstances.
"It's arrogant, and it's contemptuous for the state to decide to not participate when they're trying to put my client to death," said defense lawyer Casey Keirnan while in court.
Green can't dispute against death penalty states Criminal prosecution
The Harris County prosecutors said that "the law surrounding the death penalty is well-settled" before standing mute at the death penalty unconstitutionality listening to. Furthermore, the prosecution stated its position that since the defendant had yet to be convicted thus far, he "lacks standing" to argue whether the death penalty is unconstitutional.
Info from
Houston Chronicles
chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7327353.html
What Texans know about the death penalty
youtube.com/watch?v=SJ6mje5etlc

By: Helen Louie

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