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Biden Has 65 Days Left in Office. Here’s What He Can Do on Criminal Justice.

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Judicial appointments and the death penalty are among areas where a lame-duck administration can still leave a mark. Donald Trump’s second presidential term will begin on Jan. 20, bringing with it promises to dramatically reshape many aspects of the criminal justice system. The U.S. Senate — with its authority over confirming judicial nominees — will also shift from Democratic to Republican control.
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Execution dates requested for 2 Miss. inmates; Michelle Byrom would be first female executed by state in 70 years

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The state is seeking to set execution dates for two Mississippi death row inmates, one of whom would mark the first time the state put a female prisoner to death since 1944.

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood filed the motions before the state Supreme Court on Monday, requesting dates be set for next month for the executions of Michelle Byrom and Charles Ray Crawford.

Byrom was sentenced to death in Tishomingo County for her involvement in the 1999 slaying of her husband, Edward Louis Byrom Sr. She was convicted for her part in the murder for hire scheme to collect her late husband’s insurance benefits, according to court documents.

Crawford, a Tippah County resident, was convicted for the 1993 slaying of Kristy Ray, a college student. He was also convicted of burglary, rape, sexual battery and kidnapping.

Both inmates had appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to hear their cases, paving the way for the execution dates.

Hood is asking for Crawford’s execution to be set on or before March 26, with Byrom’s date requested be set on or before March 27.

Attorney’s representing Byrom also filed motions before the Mississippi Supreme Court on Monday, requesting appointed counsel and a hearing to discuss claims of constitutional violations.

Source: Clarion Ledger, Feb. 24, 2014
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