Texas Lawmakers Halt Execution of Robert Roberson, Bypassing Governor Abbott
In an unprecedented bipartisan effort, Texas legislators intervened to stop the execution of Robert Roberson, highlighting Gov. Abbott's notable silence.
- Robert Roberson's execution was blocked by Texas lawmakers who acted without the involvement of Gov. Greg Abbott.
- Roberson's case drew attention due to claims of wrongful conviction based on debunked shaken baby syndrome science.
- Despite having the power to grant a reprieve, Gov. Abbott remained silent, a move seen as aligning with his tough-on-crime stance.
- The intervention by lawmakers was driven by the failure of Texas' 2013 junk science law to grant Roberson a new trial.
- The bipartisan legislative action was seen as a rare instance of overriding traditional gubernatorial roles in clemency.
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The Texas Tribune 