"PASSAGE OF THE DAY: "Because the litigation is still proceeding in lower courts, Justice Sotomayor agreed that the Supreme Court shouldn't step in at this point," said Steve Vladeck, CNN Supreme Court analyst and professor at the University of Texas School of Law. "But her opinion is an effort to send a message to those courts about just how serious she thinks Reed's claims are -- and just how carefully she thinks the lower courts should consider them."
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STORY: "Supreme Court won't take up Rodney Reed appeal," by CNN Supreme Court Reporter Ariane de Vogue, published on February 24, 2020.
GIST: "The Supreme Court said Monday it will not take up an appeal from death row inmate Rodney Reed, who
is challenging his sentence based in part on the fact that Texas relied
on evidence that was later proven to be scientifically invalid. Reed was sentenced to death more
than 20 years ago for the assault, rape and strangling of 19-year-old
Stacey Stites. But his attorneys with the Innocence Project say they
have evidence that could exonerate him. Reed's death sentence is currently on hold due to separate state proceedings. Writing separately, Justice Sonia Sotomayor
noted that Reed has "presented a substantial body of evidence" that she
said "if true" casts doubt on the "veracity of scientific validity of
the evidence." Lower courts are still considering
separate claims, Sotomayor said, adding that the court's action on
Monday should not "close the door" on future review of the case. "I remain hopeful that available
state processes will take care to ensure full and fair consideration of
Reed's innocence," she wrote. "Because the litigation is still
proceeding in lower courts, Justice Sotomayor agreed that the Supreme
Court shouldn't step in at this point," said Steve Vladeck, CNN Supreme
Court analyst and professor at the University of Texas School of Law.
"But her opinion is an effort to send a message to those courts about
just how serious she thinks Reed's claims are -- and just how carefully
she thinks the lower courts should consider them." The case has united lawmakers, religious leaders, and celebrities such as Kim Kardashian West and Rihanna in Reed's defense.
The entire story can be read at:
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: I am monitoring this case/issue. Keep your eye on the Charles Smith Blog for reports on developments. The Toronto Star, my previous employer for more than twenty incredible years, has put considerable effort into exposing the harm caused by Dr. Charles Smith and his protectors - and into pushing for reform of Ontario's forensic pediatric pathology system. The Star has a "topic" section which focuses on recent stories related to Dr. Charles Smith. It can be found at: http://www.thestar.com/topic/charlessmith. Information on "The Charles Smith Blog Award"- and its nomination process - can be found at: http://smithforensic.blogspot.com/2011/05/charles-smith-blog-award-nominations.html Please send any comments or information on other cases and issues of interest to the readers of this blog to: hlevy15@gmail.com. Harold Levy: Publisher: The Charles Smith Blog;
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FINAL WORD: (Applicable to all of our wrongful conviction cases): "Whenever there is a wrongful conviction, it exposes errors in our criminal legal system, and we hope that this case — and lessons from it — can prevent future injustices."
Lawyer Radha Natarajan:
Executive Director: New England
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