Divided on Death Penalty, Justices to Hear Capital Case (2)

The U.S. Supreme Court took up a capital case June 10 that could help death row prisoners upend their sentences.

After a series of heated fights this term on the ultimate punishment, the justices will hear arguments next term about whether courts need to apply current law when reviewing old death sentences.

“We are glad that the Supreme Court agreed to hear this important case and we look forward to argument in the Fall,” said former acting U.S. solicitor general Neal Katyal, of Hogan Lovells, who represents the defendant James Erin McKinney on appeal.

The justices’ decision to grant ...