U.S. District Judge William Yohn overturned Pennsylvania...

U.S. District Judge William Yohn overturned Pennsylvania death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal's death sentence. The judge cited problems with the jury charge and verdict form in Mumia's trial nearly 20 years ago, saying jurors should have been able to consider mitigating circumstances during sentencing even if they did not unanimously agree that those circumstances existed. Judge Yohn denied all of Abu-Jamal's other claims and refused his request for a new trial. The state must now conduct a new sentencing hearing within 180 days or Abu-Jamal will be sentenced to life imprisonment. They can also appeal Judge Yohn's ruling. (See also July 19, September 13, November 21, December 4, 2001)