Florida's Death Penalty Laws Undergo Major Changes
Florida is set to require fewer jurors to agree on the death penalty than any other state, reducing the number of jurors needed from 12 to 8. The legislation leaves in place requirements for a jury to be unanimous to find guilt, and Florida judges will still be allowed to overrule a death recommendation and impose a life sentence instead. Critics fear the new law is a constitutionally questionable reaction to a single case that could lead to more death sentences.