Using Scripture in Trial, Part IV.

In our series discussing a prosecutor's use of scripture in his closing argument in People v. Harrison (here, here and here), the Colorado Supreme Court has just injected another dimension to the debate (here). The entire 3-2 opinion is at http://www.courts.state.co.us/supct/opinions/2003/03SA173.pdf.

In the Colorado case, the jurors evidently consulted the Old Testament's passage concerning "an eye for an eye" (Lev. 24:20) in deliberating with respect to the death penalty. The Supreme Court was not too pleased. It upheld the reversal of the jury's imposition of the death sentence. The convicted murderer (Robert Harlan) will instead serve a life sentence behind bars. (HT: DenverPost.)