In a 5-4 vote, the court said the Louisiana law allowing the death penalty to be imposed in such cases violates the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

"The death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in his majority opinion. picked by ImNotBlue 1 year ago

...on the grounds that it is, quote, "totally badass". picked by gratheo 1 year ago

A man who was sentenced to die for the murders of two college students in 1986 is taking his appeal to Supreme Court, saying he is too fat to be easily killed by lethal injection. picked by suebe 1 year ago

Massachusetts' highest court says a man who impersonated his brother to have sex with the brother's girlfriend cannot be convicted of rape. picked by AutumnLotus 3 years ago

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving a woman's claims that she suffered physical, emotional, and mental damage from a 2-day violent exorcism when she was 17. Texas state court gave the church a blank ticket to do whatever they want because it would be religious practices. picked by 2manyusernames 1 year ago

Death penalty opponents often argue that it has limited deterrent value. However, a 1999 study conducted at Emory and Clemson Universities found that each execution results in an average of 18 fewer murders. The DPINFO website cites another 2003 University of Colorado study found that the death penalty reduced homicides by five to six victims, but for every three additional pardons or commutations... read full post picked by GKar975 3 years ago

Carlos Edward Tello was facing more than 20 years in prison when he jumped from a ninth-floor balcony of the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. picked by MandolinOrange 2 years ago

A graphic (and downloadable spreadsheet) displaying the ideology of the supreme court justices since 1937. It shows their relative liberal or conservative stance. As with most people their ideology is subject to change. One may start of conservative or liberal but then change some of their views as time goes by. picked by 2manyusernames 5 months ago

"I strongly object to this video being shown," he said. "This will turn jurors into my victims and I will be tried by a jury of my victims, not a jury of my peers."

His objection was denied.

Updates to this case pouring in daily as trial continues. picked by muppet 1 year ago

Most Americans know very little about the workings of the U.S. Supreme Court or its members, but mention Justice Clarence Thomas, and you are likely to start an argument. He is the court's only African American, and its most conservative member. He is arguably the most influential black man in the country, yet he is reviled by many in his own race for his opposition to government programs intende... read full post picked by capriccio 2 years ago

Crime is out of control picked by dp2000 4 months ago

On December 10th the Supreme Court decided two companion cases that essentially hold that the Federal Sentencing guidelines really are just guidelines. In other words, the sentencing court, after giving them consideration, is free to disregard them and impose the sentence the court thinks is appropriate in a given case. To understand the significance of this development, here is a brief overview... read full post picked by bhartzer 2 years ago

The Supreme Court agreed Friday to decide whether a state can execute someone convicted of raping a child, one of the few remaining crimes that does not require the death of the victim to result in capital punishment. picked by dollyllama 2 years ago

A 44-year old woman is raped by a 15-year old. A rape kit is done to obtain evidence, evidence which helped convict the rapist. Although the woman was assured she wouldn't be billed for the kit, she was and is. After being a victim of rape, she is now being asked to cough up almost $2000 picked by bernardblack 7 months ago

Three 13 year old boys charged with rape, their lawyers argue the over weight girl should be "glad of attention" picked by randomthings 2 years ago

"Minh Phu Le poisoned his daughter Skyla on Friday and attempted suicide with the same drug because he wanted to punish his mistress -- the girl's mother -- for trying to leave him, investigators said."

I cannot adequately express my horror. picked by digitalgimpling 3 years ago

Speaking in Court, Galvan-Hernandez pleaded with the Judge to have him executed rather than send him to prison.

"I prefer death a thousand times over being raped," said Galvan-Hernandez.

His crime? Rape of two women. The judge gave him 20 years. The Karma Gods Smile. picked by tragluk 7 months ago

Nine counts of rape, sex abuse and child abuse — one 7 at the time, and the other 18 months old.

Now considered a "free man" by local police, a week after a judge dismissed his case. picked by mariusz712 2 years ago

They are defying a court ruling and state that they will defend their stance in states other than California as well.
[update to this]
*Use of the Starbucks logo and name does not imply ownership by Plime. Please don't sue them. Or me...I have no money. picked by moe 2 years ago

Phoenix police arrested Johnathon Richard Hock on charges of rape. He was drinking with a girl at a party. When the girl went to sleep he went into her room, turned his laptop on and proceeded to rape her while streaming the crime. She never woke up during the ordeal. picked by 2manyusernames 6 months ago