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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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No death penalty for 2 Italian marines as India drops anti-terror charge

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government Monday dropped the contentious anti-terror charge against two Italian marines accused of killing two Indian fishermen in 2012, thus exempting the duo from death penalty if convicted.

The government conveyed its decision to the Supreme Court which was approached by Italy last month amid apprehensions that the two marines -- Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone -- could be tried on the controversial anti-terror charge which carries death penalty.

Meanwhile, the apex court has also agreed to look into Italy's plea challenging the jurisdiction of the anti-terror National Investigation Agency to probe the case.

The case dates back to February 2012 when the two Italian marines were arrested by Indian police for killing two Indian fishermen off the coast of the southern state of Kerala. The two marines, then guarding an Italian merchant ship, claimed that they mistook the fishermen as pirates.

The incident sparked a diplomatic row between India and Italy. While India claims that the killing took place in its territorial waters, Italy says it happened in international waters and the duo should be tried under global law.

Italy last week recalled its Ambassador from India in protest against the delay in legal proceedings against the two marines.

Source:Xinhua, Feb. 24, 2014
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