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6mo ago

Texas Lawmakers Halt Execution of Robert Roberson, Bypassing Governor Abbott

In an unprecedented bipartisan effort, Texas legislators intervened to stop the execution of Robert Roberson, highlighting Gov. Abbott's notable silence.

Gov. Greg Abbott speaks about the recent 88th Legislative Session to an audience at the Texas Public Policy Foundation offices in Austin, on June 2, 2023. Abbott recounted policy victories in regards to fentanyl and the border crisis, as well as limiting gender-affirming care and banning DEI practices in higher education. Abbott ended the event by promising to call a special session for school choice, after the curr…
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Overview

  • Robert Roberson's execution was blocked by Texas lawmakers who acted without the involvement of Gov. Greg Abbott.
  • Roberson's case drew attention due to claims of wrongful conviction based on debunked shaken baby syndrome science.
  • Despite having the power to grant a reprieve, Gov. Abbott remained silent, a move seen as aligning with his tough-on-crime stance.
  • The intervention by lawmakers was driven by the failure of Texas' 2013 junk science law to grant Roberson a new trial.
  • The bipartisan legislative action was seen as a rare instance of overriding traditional gubernatorial roles in clemency.