Supreme Court Hears Texas Death Penalty DNA Case
It’s a simple question that should have a simple answer: Does a death row inmate have a civil right to access DNA evidence in his case?
That’s the argument attorneys for Henry “Hank” Skinner presented to the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, saying that the Pampa resident, who awaits execution at the Polunsky Unit in Livingston, ought to have the chance to test DNA evidence he says could exonerate him. “We remain hopeful that this court will allow us to seek this testing through the Civil Rights Act,” Rob Owen, Skinner's attorney, told reporters. But attorneys ...
Comments (4)
Sharon Cooper Morgan via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Why shouldn't they?
Donald Dickson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The Supreme Court doesn't hear testimony. But I didn't see this assertion in the article itself.
R G
Brandi: Thanks for following/reporting.
All: An excellent, concise, compelling history of capital punishment was recently released by UT History prof David Oshinsky, Capital Punishment on Trial. He's speaking in Dallas at Dallas Bar/Belo Mansion Nov. 3 luncheon. Rick
Gary Packwood via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I agree with Sharon Morgan above,
A death row inmate has a civil right to access most anything to keep the State from putting him/her to death.
That is why the DA needs to have a air-tight case in the first place and then a responsibility to keep it air-tight until the case is disposed of.
It is serious business for the State to take a life. Just as much or more so than the life taken by the accused.