Passed a bill in March 2003, exempting the mentally retarded from the death penalty in which retardation, described as “significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning,” will be determined before the trial. For more information regarding this legislation, Click Here.
Idaho Governor Signs Bill to Allow for Jury Sentencing In February 2003, Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne signed to provide for jury sentencing in capital cases. The new law, which shifts the responsibility of imposing the death penalty from judges to juries, was enacted in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Ring v. Arizona. It is unclear whether or not the new Idaho law will apply retroactively. (Associated Press, February 14, 2003)
