NCJ Number
186318
Date Published
2000
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This brochure aims to explain to families of homicide victims the appeals process for Texas cases that involve capital murder and capital punishment, starting with the trial and the direct appeal and continuing through the execution and post-execution stages.
Abstract
The overview notes that defendants sentenced to capital punishment normally appeal their capital convictions to both State court and Federal court. The district attorney’s office that prosecuted the case at trial represents both the State and the victim’s interest in State court. In Federal court, the Texas Office of the Attorney General represents both the State’s and the victim’s interests. The overview also notes that the booklet’s subsequent sections assume that the conviction and death sentence are affirmed at each stage of the process; however, reversals at any stage may require a retrial or resentencing. Individual sections focus on the trial and direct appeal, State habeas corpus proceedings, Federal habeas corpus proceedings, executive clemency, execution, and post-execution. Photographs