No Decision on Recreational Marijuana, LWOP on 2nd Degree Murder Aff'd

 

NOTE: Notwithstanding assertions by various individuals reported in the media this week, the SD Supreme Court did not release its decision on Recreational Marijuana this morning. 

 

The SD Supreme Court handed down one decision this morning:

 

1. LWOP on Jury Conviction of 2^nd Degree Murder upheld

 

Summary follows:

 

STATE v. LITTLE LONG, 2021 S.D. 38: Defendant was found guilty by jury of 2^nd degree murder and 1^st degree manslaughter.  The jury acquitted Defendant of 1^st degree murder.   Trial Court sentenced Defendant to Life Without Parole.  The SD Supreme Court affirmed, rejecting Defendant’s appellate assertions of improper admission of impeachment evidence, insufficiency of evidence and non-compliance with SD’s 180 day speedy trial requirement.  This decision is unanimous, 5-0, with opinion authored by Justice Kern. 

 

This decision may be accessed at

 

http://ujs.sd.gov/Supreme_Court/opinions.aspx .