Florida Supreme Court considers overturning death sentences
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida's Supreme Court is hearing a second round of oral arguments in a case that could decide whether nearly 400 death row inmates will instead spend their lives in prison.
The hearing Thursday morning comes in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that found Florida's death sentencing law unconstitutional.
The nation's high court said Florida's system gave too much power to judges, not juries, in imposing capital punishment.
The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments and later decide whether to reduce the sentences of 389 death row inmates who were sentenced under the old system.
Earlier this week, a group of former judges and legal officials urged the court to impose life sentences.
Florida's attorneys have objected, arguing that the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling should not apply to cases already decided.