Attorneys for a South Carolina death row inmate argue he is incompetent to be executed due to his belief as a sovereign citizen. The inmate, Steven Bixby, was involved in a 12-hour gun battle resulting in the deaths of two police officers.
Key Points
Steven Bixby's belief as a sovereign citizen is at the center of the argument for incompetency
The South Carolina Supreme Court has specific tests for determining competency for execution
The case highlights the broader standards for execution in South Carolina compared to the U.S. Supreme Court
Pros
Brings attention to the issue of competency in death penalty cases
Raises questions about the impact of belief systems on legal proceedings
Cons
Tragic event involving the deaths of two police officers
Legal complexities surrounding the competency of the inmate