AllCutieWants
06-25-2004, 09:09 AM
(Albany, NY/Rochester, NY) 06/24/04 - Because the state's highest court has ruled that parts of the death penalty law are unconstitutional, death penalty cases in New York are in jeopardy.
The court said the law forces jurors to pick death as punishment because if they can't decide between death and life without parole, a judge will then make the decision; however, the judge’s decision can only include a sentence with parole.
The ruling affects the case of Angel Mateo of Rochester, who was sentenced to death in 1996. If Thursday's high court decision sticks, that sentence may be null and void.
Monroe County District Attorney Mike Green said that if anything, jurors are encouraged--not forced--to make a decision.
Green said, "We've seen where the effect has been where jurors who wanted the death penalty have instead voted for life without parole so the defendant would not be released. So I fail to see how that scheme is unconstitutional-- where it forces them to make a decision.”
The state legislature must fix the death sentence law. The NYS Court of Appeals recommends having a judge impose life without parole when a jury is deadlocked
:!: They better not get rid of the death penality!
The court said the law forces jurors to pick death as punishment because if they can't decide between death and life without parole, a judge will then make the decision; however, the judge’s decision can only include a sentence with parole.
The ruling affects the case of Angel Mateo of Rochester, who was sentenced to death in 1996. If Thursday's high court decision sticks, that sentence may be null and void.
Monroe County District Attorney Mike Green said that if anything, jurors are encouraged--not forced--to make a decision.
Green said, "We've seen where the effect has been where jurors who wanted the death penalty have instead voted for life without parole so the defendant would not be released. So I fail to see how that scheme is unconstitutional-- where it forces them to make a decision.”
The state legislature must fix the death sentence law. The NYS Court of Appeals recommends having a judge impose life without parole when a jury is deadlocked
:!: They better not get rid of the death penality!