Court-Martial Trial Practice Blog
Here, courtesy of SCOTUSBlog are several pending petitions of interest.
Docket: 08-833
Title: Oliver v. Quarterman
Issue: Does juror consultation of the Bible during sentencing deliberations deprive a defendant of Sixth Amendment rights and what standard of proof should apply in evaluating the possible prejudice to the defendant?
- Opinion below (5th Circuit)
- Petition for certiorari
- Brief in opposition
- Petitioner’s reply brief
- Brief amicus curiae of former federal and state prosecutors (in support of petitioner)
Docket: 08-769
Title: United States v. Stevens
Issue: Is 18 U.S.C. 48, on depictions of animal cruelty, facially invalid under the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment?