micdotcom:

Duane Buck was sentenced to death because he’s black, now SCOTUS will hear his case

In the murder trial that led to his 1997 sentencing, 52-year-old Duane Buck’s defense lawyers called a psychologist to the witness stand who claimed Buck was more likely to commit murder in the future because he is black. 

This dubious — and disproven — argument has been a subject of heated debate for years. But on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court finally agreed to hear Buck’s case — and determine whether his Sixth Amendment-protected right to fair and effective counsel was violated. The NAACP is hoping the case will set a precedent for all.