Post by Logan on Mar 1, 2016 15:29:05 GMT -6
WASHINGTON - When he was Philadelphia's district attorney, Ronald D. Castille signed off on a decision that would land Terrance Williams on death row for the 1984 beating death of a Germantown church deacon.
Now, a role that Castille later played in the case as chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court could prove key in efforts to fend off Williams' execution.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Monday on whether Castille, the prosecutor who approved pursuing the death penalty against Williams, should have recused himself when the case came before the state's top court for appeal.
The question could lead to a decisive ruling on judicial ethics, and has put the decision-making of one of the most influential recent figures in Pennsylvania's criminal justice system under a national spotlight.
Read more: www.philly.com/philly/news/20160301_U_S__Supreme_Court_looking_at_Castille_role_in_Germantown_murder_case.html
Now, a role that Castille later played in the case as chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court could prove key in efforts to fend off Williams' execution.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Monday on whether Castille, the prosecutor who approved pursuing the death penalty against Williams, should have recused himself when the case came before the state's top court for appeal.
The question could lead to a decisive ruling on judicial ethics, and has put the decision-making of one of the most influential recent figures in Pennsylvania's criminal justice system under a national spotlight.
Read more: www.philly.com/philly/news/20160301_U_S__Supreme_Court_looking_at_Castille_role_in_Germantown_murder_case.html