The US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Texas death row inmate Duane Buck, whose own lawyer brought forth evidence that he was more likely to be a danger in the future because he is black.
Texas law states that a person must present future danger to be given the death sentence. Buck’s lawyer retained the testimony of psychologist Dr. Walter Quijano, who testified that, due to Buck’s race, there was an increased probability that he would commit future acts of violence. He has been on death row for the murder of two people in 1995.
The Supreme Court ruled in Buck’s favor 6-2, stating he “demonstrated…ineffective assistance of counsel” and is entitled to relief. Buck now has the right to return to a lower court and argue for a new sentencing hearing.