Composition

Jury Selection Challenges Emerge in A$AP Rocky’s Trial as Attorneys Raise Concerns Over Racial Composition

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Los Angeles — The selection of jurors in Los Angeles is underway for the upcoming trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, who faces charges related to shooting a former friend. Jurors will reconvene in the coming days, with opening statements set to start once the jury is finalized, which is expected to be by Thursday. The case has garnered media attention not only due to the rapper’s celebrity status but also because of concerns raised by his legal team regarding the racial composition of the jury pool. The defense voiced objections over the allegedly low representation … Read more

South Carolina Executes Richard Moore Despite Significant Clemency Appeals and Controversy Over Jury Composition

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Columbia, S.C. — South Carolina has carried out the execution of Richard Moore, a 59-year-old death row inmate, marking the state’s second use of capital punishment in over a decade. An injection of pentobarbital was administered, leading to Moore’s death at 6:24 p.m. on Friday, state authorities confirmed. This execution follows the demise of Freddie Owens last month, signaling an active resumption of executions after a 13-year hiatus. Moore was convicted 23 years ago for the murder of James Mahoney, a convenience store clerk, in an incident that occurred at Nikki’s Speedy Mart in Spartanburg … Read more

Hasson Bacote’s Appeal in Death Sentence Case Highlights Racial Jury Composition Concerns, Could Influence Future Legal Standards

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Columbia, SC – A death row inmate’s challenge to his sentence, highlighting the potential impact of racial composition of juries, is poised to potentially reshape the legal landscape in South Carolina. Hasson Bacote, sentenced to death by a majority-white jury, has sparked a significant legal debate concerning racial biases in capital punishment cases. Legal experts assert that Bacote’s appeal raises critical questions about fairness and equal justice under the law, particularly regarding the demographics of juries in death penalty cases. The contention centers around the argument that a jury reflecting racial diversity might lead to … Read more