Tuesday, June 30, 2015

New favorable Atkins SCOTUS decision: Brumfield v Cain


From SCOTUS blog.

  • Holding: Because the inmate’s evidence of intellectual disability satisfied the requirements of 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(2), he was entitled to have his claim based on Atkins v. Virginia, in which the Court held that the Constitution prohibits the execution of the mentally disabled, considered on the merits in federal court.
  • Judgment: Reversed and remanded, 5-4, in an opinion by Justice Sotomayor on June 18, 2015. Justice Thomas filed a dissenting opinion in all but Part I-C, of which Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Scalia, and Justice Alito joined. Justice Alito filed a dissenting opinion, in which Chief Justice Roberts joined.
Click here for ruling and access to documents.

Click here for links to all prior Brumfield related documents available at this blog