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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 | Court rejects appeal for Dallas man facing death penalty for double murder

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The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has rejected an appeal for a Dallas man who faces execution for a 2001 double murder.

Ivan Cantu was pulled off death row earlier this year but will now go back on the execution schedule. 

Cantu failed to convince the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to grant him a new hearing.

One week before his scheduled execution in April, a judge blocked the execution after Cantu's lawyers argued some of the key witnesses had lied.

But the Court of Criminal Appeals today said there was no merit to the argument.

Cantu was convicted of killing his cousin and his cousin's fiance in 2001 in far North Dallas. 

The murders technically happened in Collin County so the case now goes back to a Collin County trial judge who will set a new execution date, probably early next year.

The case was steeped in testimony over drug dealing with Cantu claiming he was being framed.

Source: Audacy, Staff, August 22, 2023


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