Thursday, June 28, 2007

People v. Thornton (Cal. Supreme Ct. - June 28, 2007)

While the United States Supreme Court is cranking out a plethora of 5-4 decisions, with a very well-defined liberal and conservative group (and Justice Kennedy as the swing), the California Supreme Court's decisions are often the exact opposite. Today the California Supremes decided three cases: two death penalty cases (here and here) and one three strikes case (here). Each of these opinions was unanimous. Each found in favor of the government and against the criminal defendant.

No splits here. Which isn't the greatest news for the two guys who're going to be killed, or the one who'll spend 29 years to life in prison for shoplifting an $18 fanny pack from J.C. Penny.