Judge Joshua Divine Challenges Precedent on Death Penalty for Nonhomicide Crimes

By Daniel Harawa · SCOTUSblog · 2026-09-24

According to reporting from SCOTUSblog, a federal judge in Missouri recently issued a sentencing opinion arguing that the Eighth Amendment no longer prohibits capital punishment for certain sexual offenses against children. Judge Joshua Divine claims that shifting legislative tre

According to reporting from SCOTUSblog, a federal judge in Missouri recently issued a sentencing opinion arguing that the Eighth Amendment no longer prohibits capital punishment for certain sexual offenses against children. Judge Joshua Divine claims that shifting legislative tre