Narrative Opinion Summary
Robert S. Minnick was convicted in the Circuit Court of Lowndes County for two counts of murder committed during a robbery and sentenced to death. His conviction and sentence were affirmed by the Mississippi Supreme Court. However, the United States Supreme Court later granted certiorari, reversed the judgment, and remanded the case for proceedings consistent with its opinion. As a result, Minnick's conviction and sentence are vacated, and the case is sent back to the Circuit Court of Clarke County for further action. The order was concurred by Chief Justice Roy Noble Lee and Justices Hawkins, Dan M. Lee, Prather, Robertson, Sullivan, and Pittman, while Justices Banks and McRae did not participate.
Legal Issues Addressed
Authority of United States Supreme Courtsubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The United States Supreme Court has the authority to review and reverse decisions made by state supreme courts, mandating further proceedings consistent with its opinion.
Reasoning: However, the United States Supreme Court later granted certiorari, reversed the judgment, and remanded the case for proceedings consistent with its opinion.
Remand for Further Proceedingssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: Upon reversal by the United States Supreme Court, the case is remanded to the appropriate lower court for actions consistent with the Supreme Court's directives.
Reasoning: The case is sent back to the Circuit Court of Clarke County for further action.
Vacating Convictions and Sentencessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The vacating of a conviction and sentence is required when the United States Supreme Court reverses the judgment of a lower court.
Reasoning: As a result, Minnick's conviction and sentence are vacated, and the case is sent back to the Circuit Court of Clarke County for further action.