NY death penalty ruled unconstitutional

[rawstory]

As seen on the liberal Drudge alternative, http://www.rawstory.com

Court declares New York death penalty unconstitutional, invalidates sentences

By Joel Stashenko, Associated Press, 6/24/2004 10:30

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) The state's highest court ruled that a provision of New York's capital punishment statute violates the state constitution, a decision that appears to invalidate the sentences of all four men on the state's death row.

The Court of Appeals ruled in the case of Stephen LaValle, who was convicted and condemned to die for raping and killing a jogger in 1997.

In a 4-3 ruling, the court said New York's sentencing rules might unconstitutionally coerce jurors into voting for a death sentence rather than risk a deadlock by holding out for life without parole.

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/176/nation/Court_declares_New_York_death_:.shtml

[rbnyc]

1. kick

It was great to hear this news right after the SCOTUS ruling today.

[rawstory]

2. Sad this is getting muted

by all the other crazy news of the day...

[Blecht]

3. One piece of good news

As long as there's a death penalty in this country, we have no say in human rights anywhere.

[DrWeird]

4. Oh good.

How many people on the NY death row?

And what percentage of them are minorities?

[gottaB]

5. Are we becoming civilized?

Could it be?