I have posted on our website a "Notice of Proposed Amendments to 5th Circuit Rules" that I received yesterday. To find it, go to our "Forms, Briefs, etc." page and enter "5th circuit" in the search box.

The first proposal is regarding challenges to death sentences and/or execution procedures.

If you have comments on any of the proposed rule changes, you can submit them in writing to:

Clerk of Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
ATTN: Rule Changes
600 S. Maestri Place
New Orleans, LA 70130

Written comments will be accepted until August 15.

Thanks for keeping us in the loop, Shannon.

Here is a link to the document:5th Circuit proposed amendments

Why allow counsel to file something even 5 days before execution. Absent the truly surprise information (which is exceedingly rare), there is little reason why a lawyer shouldn't be required to file paperwork 30 days before execution.

John Bradley
District Attorney
Williamson County, Texas