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The Atkins Project |
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In June 2002, in a historic opinion entitled Atkins v.
Virginia, 536 US 304 (2002), the U.S. Supreme Court held
that the constitution prohibits the execution of people with
mental retardation. Since then, the Louisiana Supreme Court
has weighed in on the issue in State v. Williams, 01-1650,
(La. 11/1/02), 831 So.2d 835, 857, and the Louisiana
Legislature has enacted a statute in response to the U.S.
Supreme Court ruling. See La.C.Cr.P. art. 905.5.1. |
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LCAC lawyers were involved in litigating the first death
sentence reversed under Atkins, State v. Eddie Mitchell, as
well as the seminal case of Williams, in which the Louisiana
Supreme Court first applied Atkins to the state of
Louisiana.
The LCAC has continued to focus on Atkins and its
application in Louisiana. Lawyers and investigators at LCAC
have developed an expertise in the issue of mental
retardation, important contacts in the world of mental
health professionals focused on mental retardation, and a
set of motions developed in response to the new Louisiana
statute.
The LCAC is happy to assist criminal defense attorneys
around the state who think that they may have Atkins claims,
and is eager to be kept abreast of developing Atkins cases
in the state. Please contact LCAC attorney
Christine Lehmann with any questions, or simply to let us know
about your case. LCAC lawyers Neal Walker and Christine
Lehmann are also able to lead Atkins trainings in your
office or area.
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