On Thursday, the final vote on a measure to bar the death penalty for defendants with severe mental illness was delayed until next week without a given reason. Lawmakers will sometimes postpone votes on their bill if they do not expect it to pass.
, D-Dallas, tentatively passed Wednesday on a 84-61 vote. But a final vote scheduled for Thursday was postponed until next week without a given reason. Lawmakers will sometimes postpone votes on their bill if they do not expect it to pass.
In October, attorneys for the state of Texas admitted that Scott Panetti is severely mentally ill, butthat he is sane enough to be executed. In his infamous 1995 murder trial, Panetti, repeatedly diagnosed as schizophrenic, represented himself, calling to the stand witnesses like Jesus Christ and John F. Kennedy. He questioned himself on the stand as “Sarge,” using a distorted voice when speaking as the spirit inside him he claimed was responsible for the murders of his in-laws.
Rose’s bill would prohibit death sentences for capital murder defendants found to have had a severe mental illness at the time of their crime, and it would tackle the issue before trial. A person with severe mental illness would be defined as someone with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or a bipolar disorder with active psychotic symptoms that limit the person’s ability to fully understand what they did.
The legislation addresses only future capital murder defendants, meaning it would not alter the sentences of Panetti, Thomas or others who have already been convicted.
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Central Texas weather: Scattered, light rain Thursday as warm front moves throughKeep your umbrella handy. A warm front could bring some rain this afternoon. Zack Shields has details in his full forecast.
Weiterlesen »
Central Texas weather: Scattered, light rain Thursday as warm front moves throughKeep your umbrella handy. A warm front could bring some rain this afternoon. Zack Shields has details in his full forecast.
Weiterlesen »
Thursday is opening day for Houston Astros, Texas RangersMajor League Baseball will soon kick off the 2023 regular season with defending World Series champions the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Thursday evening. The team will celebrate its 2022 championship win to get things started.
Weiterlesen »
North Texas storms could bring strong wind, hail Thursday and FridayPossible severe weather is expected in North Texas as showers and storms move through the region Thursday and Friday, bringing possible hail and strong winds.
Weiterlesen »
Texas House again moves to halt death sentences for mentally ill defendantsThe chamber has repeatedly passed legislation in recent sessions eliminating the death penalty in cases of severe mental illness, but the issue has not gained traction in the more conservative Senate.
Weiterlesen »
Texas Rangers will honor Texas Ranger with opening day ceremonial first pitchGov. Greg Abbott, who vowed not to support MLB in state of Texas two years ago, will also be back.
Weiterlesen »