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CAPITAL CASE

Supreme Court declines to intervene in Robert Roberson’s execution

at 6:44 p.m.

The justices declined to halt the execution of Robert Roberson on Thursday evening. Roberson was prosecuted for the death of his two-year-old daughter based on shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis that has been questioned in the intervening years. Just before the court issued its order, a Texas judge temporarily blocked Roberson’s execution. The office of the state’s attorney general indicated that it intends to appeal that decision. 

A sign and the exterior wall of the Hunstville prison

The Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville, where Roberson was scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Thursday evening. (Mark via Flickr)

EMERGENCY DOCKET

Supreme Court allows EPA emissions rule to stand while litigation continues

at 4:32 p.m.

The court on Wednesday turned down a handful of emergency appeals from states, energy companies, and fossil fuel industry groups, leaving in place an Environmental Protection Agency rule aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants while litigation continues in lower courts. 

ARGUMENT ANALYSIS

Supreme Court considers truck driver’s RICO case over CBD product that cost him his job

 at 4:37 p.m.

At oral argument on Tuesday the justices were divided over whether a former commercial truck driver can sue the distributors of a CBD wellness product that caused him to fail a drug test and lose his job. Douglas Horn seeks to sue the company, whose product was marketed as THC free, under federal racketeering law for his “business injury.”

RELIST WATCH

Congressional redistricting, campaign contributions, and California’s role in emissions regulation

 at 3:51 p.m.

A regular round-up of “relisted” petitions. This week: six newly relisted cases addressing New York’s rent regulations (again), Alaska’s political contribution rules, Louisiana’s congressional redistricting scheme, and California’s historically distinct role in air emissions regulation.

Advocates in Conversation