The Supreme Court rejected a Pennsylvania inmate's appeal to consider banning the death penalty across the United States. Photo by Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Supreme Court rejects appeal to outlaw death penalty

Politics

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is rejecting a Pennsylvania inmate's appeal to consider banning the death penalty across the United States.

The justices did not comment Monday in turning away a challenge from death row inmate Shonda Walter.

Walter's appeal plays off Justice Stephen Breyer's call in an impassioned dissent in June to re-evaluate the death penalty in light of problems involving its imposition and use.

Breyer renewed his plea last week when he was the lone justice willing to give a last-minute reprieve to an Alabama death row inmate who was later put to death.

Support PBS News Hour

Your tax-deductible donation ensures our vital reporting continues to thrive.

Supreme Court rejects appeal to outlaw death penalty first appeared on the PBS News website.

Additional Support Provided By: