Bill · S. 718· Senate(119-S-718)
Eric’s Law
- Introduced
- 2/25/2025
- Last activity
- 2/25/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Cruz
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as "Eric's Law," proposes an amendment to title 18 of the United States Code. It specifically addresses cases involving crimes punishable by death. If a jury fails to reach a unanimous vote on a sentence, the law requires a new special hearing. This process involves impaneling a new jury to make a recommendation. If this second jury also fails to reach a unanimous recommendation, the court must impose a sentence other than death.
Yes
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?+5
The bill establishes a procedural safeguard that prevents a death sentence if a second jury fails to reach a unanimous recommendation.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+4
The bill adds a mandatory second hearing and a failsafe against the death penalty when juries cannot reach unanimity.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Requirement for new jury hearing: This provision ensures that if a jury cannot agree on a sentence, a new jury is brought in to make a recommendation (Section 2(b)(1)).
-
Sentence imposition rule: If the second jury fails to reach a unanimous recommendation, the court is required to impose a sentence other than death (Section 2(b)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Requirement for new special hearing: The court must order a new special hearing and impanel a new jury if the initial jury does not reach a unanimous recommendation for a sentence (Section 2(b)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+4
- 2/25/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska