The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday morning in a case that could have a huge impact in Florida.
Timothy Hurst was sentenced to death for a 1998 murder of his manager at a Pensacola Popeye's. Hurst tied the manager up and stabbed her to death in the freezer. A jury came to a 7-5 recommendation of the death penalty. Hurst is challenging the non-unanimous decision as unconstitutional.
Florida is the only state that allows non-unanimous death penalty recommendations from a jury nor does it require an explanation of factors. A judge then makes the ultimate decision.
