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Supreme Court Says Unanimous Verdict Rule Is Not Retroactive

During its last term, the high court made a decision to require a unanimous verdict in state criminal trials.
Posted at 9:02 PM, May 17, 2021
and last updated 2021-05-17 21:02:08-04

The Supreme Court has ruled that prisoners previously convicted by split juries aren't automatically entitled to new trials.

During its last term, the high court made a decision to require a unanimous verdict in state criminal trials.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh said Monday's ruling aligns with the high court's "many longstanding precedents on retroactivity."

But Justice Elena Kagan said the ruling means "those convicted under rules found not to produce fair and reliable verdicts will be left without recourse in federal courts."

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.