[OldDeckHand]

Here's the practical problem with charging for the 14th murder - it complicates an already complicated capital case. While there have been many prosecutions in state courts with respect to baby-in-the-womb (I hate the word fetus) murders, I don't believe this kind of prosecution has been made in federal court, and I know it's never been made in a military court.

What the prosecution is going to want to do here, is to limit their exposure on appeal. Such an issue as contentious as this one, is likely to be rife with possible appellate implications. So, in the interest of expediency - and faster resolution for the victims and their families - they'll probably stay away from this 14th count, IMHO.

[thefactor]

i have NO idea how the military courts work let alone their appeal processes. will be an interesting case. too bad they don’t have the death penalty though. that always befuddled me.

[ravingnutter]

See my post #9, the Uniform Code of Military Justice was modified when President Bush signed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act in 2004.