Florida prosecutors can seek death penalty despite questions
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Prosecutors can seek the death penalty in ongoing cases despite constitutional issues with the Florida's death penalty law, the state Supreme Court ruled Monday.
The ruling addresses questions that had prosecutors in limbo after the state Supreme Court ruled last October that the state's new death penalty law was unconstitutional. Attorney General Pam Bondi had asked the court to clarify whether the ruling affected cases that were currently being prosecuted.
"I am pleased with the Florida Supreme Court's decision today to allow ongoing capital punishment cases to proceed with proper jury instruction. This decision provides our courts with the clarification needed to proceed with murder cases in which the death penalty is sought," Bondi said in a statement provided by a spokesman.
The ruling clears up at least some of the issues surrounding the state's death penalty created by state and U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-ap-florida-prosecutors-can-seek-death-penalty-despite-questions-20170220-story.html