Texas Gov. Greg Abbott argued that only the governor has the constitutional authority to delay an execution.
Get a deeper look at the issues at play this election and how they’ll show up on your ballot.The governor’s lawyer asked the Texas Supreme Court to void a subpoena compelling the death row inmate’s Capitol testimony.Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a a fireside chat with the U.S. Travel Association at American Airlines headquarters, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Fort Worth.Gov.
The three-page letter sent Sunday by James Sullivan, Abbott’s general counsel, said only the governor has the constitutional authority to delay an execution. Sullivan warned that unless the court rejects the subpoena, “it can be repeated in every capital case, effectively rewriting the Constitution to reassign a power given only to the Governor.
In its letter to the court, Abbott’s office said the Texas Constitution grants him – not a legislative committee – the power to halt an execution.“If the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence thinks itself entitled to testimony from a criminal on death row, a point which is not conceded, it should have done so without erasing the authority given exclusively to the governor,” Sullivan wrote.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
As Robert Roberson’s execution neared, Gov. Greg Abbott stuck to silenceIt’s rare for governors to step in to halt executions. In the case of Robert Roberson, it ended up being state lawmakers who took extraordinary steps.
Read more »
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott stayed silent about Robert RobersonIt’s rare for governors to step in to halt executions. In the case of Robert Roberson, it ended up being state lawmakers who took extraordinary steps.
Read more »
As Robert Roberson’s execution neared, Gov. Greg Abbott stuck to silenceIt’s rare for governors to step in to halt executions. In the case of Robert Roberson, it ended up being state lawmakers who took extraordinary steps.
Read more »
Texas to Execute Father Accused of Murdering Child Despite Innocence ArgumentWill Gov. Abbott allow Robert Roberson to be put to death?
Read more »
Roberson execution nears as lawmakers make last-ditch appeal to AbbottThe Texas governor has been under pressure from fellow Republicans to grant a reprieve in the case, which they argue relies on “junk science.”
Read more »
Texas board rejects clemency for Robert Roberson, set to be executed in 'shaken baby' deathThe Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles denied clemency today for Robert Roberson, who was convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter in a case of 'shaken baby syndrome.' Roberson has always maintained his innocence. The 57-year old is scheduled to be executed Thursday evening. NBC News' Lester Holt reports.
Read more »