The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld an order releasing death row inmate Paul House,

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati has upheld an order releasing death row inmate Paul House, who has been imprisoned nearly 22 years. Federal Judge Harry S. Mattice Jr. ruled in December the state should release House, whose murder conviction and death sentence was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court 2 years ago. Mattice told prosecutors they had 180 days to retry House or he would release the inmate later this month. A brief opinion from 3 judges on the Court of Appeals panel affirmed the lower court's order. The appellate judges said a "detailed opinion by this court ... would only further delay resolution of this matter." The Tennessee attorney general's office did not immediately comment on the new ruling. (see also April 7, 2008)