Four Justices often side with condemned prisoners on avoiding Death Penalty
Mark Sherman of the AP notes in this story that in the eight death penalty cases that have come up so far this term, the U. S. Supreme Court is split on the issue. Although four justices side with death row inmates who are trying to avoid execution, the Court does not appear to seek an end to the death penalty in the U.S. The Polls continue to find that most Americans are in favor of the death penalty for most murderers.

Jury rejects the Death Penalty for DC Drug Gang Enforcer
The Washington Post reports here that Larry Gooch will not receive the death penalty for his involvement as a violent, drug-gang leader of The M Street Crew who was responsible for the murders of four people, assisting in murder, shooting at an officer, and racketeering and drug charges. Capitol punishment has been banned in the District, however federal law allows prosecutors to seek it in some cases.

Death Penalty for Cooke, execution years away with Appeals and Lawsuits
James Cooke received the Death penalty on Wednesday for the rape and murder of University of Delaware student, Lindsey M. Bonistall in 2005. Estaban Parra of The News Journal takes a look at the process in this article.

Bizarre Criminal of The Day
A NY City man faces (7) years in state prison for jabbing and poking young girls in the buttocks. The punishment comes under a new law that addresses crimes committed for sexual gratification. According to this AP story, Frank Ranieri is accused of paying young girls to allow him to jab them with sharp objects such as pins, nails and stilettos. He is said to have spent thousands of dollars on this fetish over a year and a half.