Supreme Court

Supreme Court Says Unanimous Verdict Rule Is Not Retroactive

During its last term, the high court made a decision to require a unanimous verdict in state criminal trials.

Supreme Court Says Unanimous Verdict Rule Is Not Retroactive
J. Scott Applewhite / AP

The Supreme Court has ruled that prisoners previously convicted by split juries aren't automatically entitled to new trials.

During its last term, the high court made a decision to require a unanimous verdict in state criminal trials.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh said Monday's ruling aligns with the high court's "many longstanding precedents on retroactivity."

But Justice Elena Kagan said the ruling means "those convicted under rules found not to produce fair and reliable verdicts will be left without recourse in federal courts."

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.