SCOTUS announces all-remote February sitting.
#SCOTUS announces that b/c of COVID it will once again hear oral arguments remotely for the upcoming February argument session, which begins on Feb. 22. Live audio will be available! Here's the press release: https://www.supremecourt.gov/publicinfo/press/pressreleases/pr_02-12-21
ICYMI: Late last night, SCOTUS ruled that the execution of Willie Smith must remain on hold unless Alabama allows Smith to have his pastor by his side in the execution chamber. Alabama halted the scheduled execution. More on the opinion from @AHoweBlogger.
Court won’t allow Alabama execution without a pastor - SCOTUSblog
The Supreme Court on Thursday night ruled that the execution of an Alabama man must remain on hold unless the ...
www.scotusblog.com
In tonight's death-penalty ruling on spiritual advisers, only 7 of 9 justices disclosed their votes.
Unlike regular SCOTUS opinions, the court often does not reveal votes on emergency rulings. It's one of the main critiques that's been made against the so-called shadow docket.
BREAKING: SCOTUS blocks Alabama from proceeding with the execution of Willie Smith tonight. A lower court put the execution on hold because Alabama would not allow Smith's pastor to accompany him in the execution chamber. SCOTUS keeps that stay in place.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a128_e1pf.pdf
Alabama was scheduled to execute Willie B. Smith III tonight at 7 p.m. EST. He was convicted of the 1991 murder of Sharma Ruth Johnson. The 11th Cir. paused the execution, and Alabama has appealed to SCOTUS. We are awaiting a decision from the court. It could come at any time.
Larry Flynt died yesterday. He participated in several Supreme Court cases, including the landmark 1st Amendment case Hustler Magazine, Inc. v. Falwell, but did you know Chief Justice Warren Burger had him arrested at the court in 1983 for screaming obscenities at the justices?
