Florida Legislature Passes Law Removing Requirement for Unanimous Jury Consent to Death Penalty

The Florida House of Representatives passed a law Thursday that would allow the death penalty to be imposed as long as at least eight of the 12 jurors approve it.

The Florida Senate passed an equivalent bill on March 30.

Florida’s death penalty when Nicholas Cruz, who killed 17 schoolmates in a February 14, 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, was sentenced to life in prison without parole. A move has begun to end unanimous jury consent to sentencing.

The jury had reached a deadlock of 9 to 3 on whether to execute Cruz.

“We all grieve the families of Parkland and their communities. But the verdict revealed the flaws in the current system. What do we have the death penalty for if it doesn’t deserve it and can’t get it?” State Senator Blaise Ingoria, Republican of the 11th District, Florida Senate Bill Passes I said just before

State Rep. Bernie Jack, a Seminole Republican and the bill’s sponsor, tweeted on Friday. Death penalty. It’s just a farce if you do that. ”

If the bill is signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida, like Alabama, Indiana, and Missouri, would not require unanimous jury consent for executions.

Indiana and Missouri allow judge discretion if jurors are split, while Alabama maintains a 10-to-2 threshold.

Critics of the bill pointed out how many death row inmates were ultimately exonerated.