THREAD - It is time to head to @Scotus. On deck: Madison v. Alabama. Is it a violation of the Constitution to execute a man who can't remember his crime? Well into his 60s & w/dementia, Vernon Madison argues executing someone who doesn't understand why he is being punished...1/4
implicitly fails to serve the purposes of the death penalty. The execution would not deter future crimes nor would it punish him for his conduct. The state, Alabama, doubts his claims of incapacity, suggesting he knows when to decline certain meds etc. Also even if he doesn't...
recall killing the officer, a court appointed psychologist says he has a "rational" understanding as to why he'll be executed, state argues. Alabama hinges their position on 8A, which they say, does not prevent them from executing him because he claims he can't remember. 3/4
It will be a surreal day, to be sure. Stay tuned for my coverage. 4/4
