Appeals
Smith appealed to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals which affirmed the conviction and death sentence. Smith's writs of habeas corpus to the state courts were denied so he petitioned Federal District Court for relief. The Federal District Court vacated the death sentence, finding that the trial court erred constitutionally by admitting the doctor's testimony at the penalty phase. The United States Court of Appeals affirmed this decision.
Read more about this topic: Estelle V. Smith, Background
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