Bias suit may include challenge of new death law

VERNON, Conn. (AP) — A Superior Court judge is being asked to include questions about the state's repeal of capital punishment in a bias lawsuit filed by death-row inmates.

The Hartford Courant reports the issue was brought up by defense attorney David Golub during a hearing on the bias claims Tuesday.

The lawsuit, in which inmates claim the state's death penalty is racially and geographically biased, is set to go to trial on Sept. 5.

Golub asked Judge Samuel Sferrazza to expand the suit so lawyers could include arguments that the new law is unfair because Connecticut's recent death penalty repeal applies only to future crimes, and not to those already sentenced to death.

The judge did not immediately rule on Golub's request.

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Information from: The Hartford Courant

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