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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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Texas death row inmate gets execution reprieve because of Hurricane Harvey

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Harvey, Texas
HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- A 36-year-old condemned Texas inmate scheduled for execution next week has won a temporary reprieve because of Hurricane Harvey.

Hurricane Harvey brought record rainfall to Houston and flash floods all over East Texas.

Since landfall, rainfall amounts have totaled between 15 and 48 inches around the city, according to the National Weather Service.

The severe weather has the possibility of lasting through early to mid next week. 

Emergency responders in Houston have now rescued more than 7,000 people.

Bexar County prosecutors cited "extraordinary circumstances" in asking a state judge to move Juan Castillo's execution to Dec. 14 because some of his legal team is based in Harris County.

Gov. Greg Abbott has designated the county a disaster area along with dozens of other Texas counties hit by the storm.

State District Judge Jefferson Moore signed the order Wednesday agreeing to move the date.

Castillo had been scheduled for lethal injection Sept. 7 in Huntsville for the slaying of 19-year-old Tommy Garcia Jr. during a 2003 robbery in San Antonio.

Source: The Associated Press, Agencies, August 31, 2017


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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde
Location: Huntsville, TX, USA
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