NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Members of a death penalty review board said they would resume meetings this week to analyze the state's criminal justice system.
Two of the board's subcommittees will meet Thursday and Friday to review a range of topics like the appeals process for capital cases, evidence collection and police interrogations.
State Sen. Doug Jackson, a co-chair on the committee, said the appeals process takes too long in death penalty cases.
One committee was expected to look at the possibility of direct appeals to the state Supreme Court, instead of moving through the state Court of Appeals first.
The board was made up of lawmakers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims rights groups and others who make recommendations to the General Assembly.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
