New York State’s highest court today reversed a death sentence declared a sentencing provision of the state capital punishment unconstitutional, reports the Associated Press. The 4-3 Court of Appeals decision spares Stephen LaValle, who was convicted of raping and killing a jogger in 1997, and appears to invalidate capital sentences against the other three men on New York death row.
All four were sentenced under a measure that is unconstitutional because it might coerce jurors into voting for death when they do not want to, the court majority said.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/24/nyregion/24WIRE-PENALTY.html?hp