Arkansas high court lifts stays for 2 death row inmates
Source: Associated Press
Kelly P. Kissel, Associated Press
Updated 4:11 pm, Thursday, March 1, 2018
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas' Supreme Court on Thursday lifted stays of execution for two condemned killers, saying they were not entitled to special assistance from mental health professionals before and during their trials.
Bruce Ward and Don Davis were among eight prisoners scheduled to die over 11 days last spring, but their April 17 executions were postponed so the state's high court could consider their arguments that, by law, independent psychiatrists should have been available to help develop trial strategies. Lawyers for the state argued that the men didn't meet the minimum threshold to qualify for such aid and that they were "sandbagging" the court to delay their executions.
The court said the men's mental health issues had been sufficiently addressed.
"While the U.S. Constitution guarantees a right to a competent psychiatrist, it does not guarantee a psychiatrist who will reach the medical conclusions the defense team desires," Justice Shawn Womack wrote as the court unanimously moved Davis closer to the execution chamber.
"While the U.S. Constitution guarantees a right to a competent psychiatrist, it does not guarantee a psychiatrist who will reach the medical conclusions the defense team desires," Justice Shawn Womack wrote as the court unanimously moved Davis closer to the execution chamber.
Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Court-drops-stays-for-2-Arkansas-men-set-to-die-12719794.php
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