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TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2002

A federal judge in New York on Monday ruled the federal death penalty unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff said the law has sent innocent people to the death chamber. He cited a growing body of DNA and other evidence.

The decision came as federal prosecutors sought to use the law against two men accused of murder. Former U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White opted against the death penalty but Attorney General John Ashcroft overruled her recommendation.

Ashcroft has reversed the recommendations of prosecutors 12 times in death penalty cases since taking office last year, The Washington Post reported yesterday.

An appeal of Rakoff's decision is expected.

Get the Story:
Judge Says Executions Violate Constitution (The Washington Post 7/2)
Manhattan Judge Finds Federal Death Law Unconstitutional (The New York Times 7/2)
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Relevant Documents:
U.S. v. Quinones (7/1)

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