Entries tagged with “Due Process”
Jul 14, 2025
New Louisiana Legislation Will Limit Post-Conviction Appeals, Endangering Innocent Prisoners in an Attempt to Expedite Executions
Recent legislation signed by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry drastically restricts the ability of prisoners to challenge their convictions, which those opposed to the law have argued could lead to the execution of innocent prisoners. HB 675, signed into law in June 2025, imposes strict time limits on post-conviction relief applications and introduces“abandonment” rules that cut off appeal options for prisoners who fail to meet the law’s strict deadlines. The…
Jun 23, 2025
In Unusual Move, Texas Attorney General Requests Execution Date for Robert Roberson Before a Court Has Heard New Evidence of His Actual Innocence
On June 16, 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a motion in the Anderson County District Court requesting a new execution date for Robert Roberson, despite the fact that a motion from defense counsel with new evidence in support of Mr. Roberson’s actual innocence remains pending. As the *Dallas Morning Editorial Board* notes, it is“unusual” that “\[AG\] Paxton’s office is involved” in requesting the execution date. AG Paxton has actively sought Mr. Roberson’s…
Jun 12, 2025
Counsel for Ralph Menzies Appeal Competency Ruling as State Moves to Set Execution Date
On June 6, 2025, District Judge Matthew Bates issued a ruling finding Utah death-sentenced prisoner Ralph Menzies mentally competent to be executed despite concerns presented by Mr. Menzies’ attorneys about his vascular dementia. In his ruling, Judge Bates agreed that Mr. Menzies suffers from vascular dementia but said Mr. Menzies had failed to show“by a preponderance of the evidence that his mental condition prevents him from reaching a rational…