Column on overturned conviction is wrong on the facts and the law

Ellis v. Harrison

Order

Criminal Law and Procedure

Mayfield v. Woodford

Ineffective assistance of counsel at penalty phase of capital case may have affected jury's decision and warrants new sentencing proceeding.

Constitutional Law

McCoy v. Louisiana

Sixth Amendment guarantees right of defendant to decide 'that objective of the defense is to assert innocence.'

Prisoners' Rights

Tharpe v. Sellers

Racist statements by juror in sworn affidavit mandates reconsideration of whether juror's presence prejudiced murder defendant.

Constitutional Law

Peña-Rodriguez v. Colorado

Supreme Court recognizes exception to no-impeachment rule, which shields jury deliberations from further inquiry, where there are allegations of overt racial bias by juror.