Cert. Denied In Challenge To Judge's Sentencing Remarks Invoking Religion

The U.S. Supreme Court yesterday denied certiorari in Deyton v. Keller (Docket No. 12-6230, cert. denied 1/22/2013) (Order List).  In the case, the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a habeas corpus petition from 3 robbers who were sentenced to ten consecutive 64 to 86 month terms for their armed robbery of a church during Sunday services.  Petitioners unsuccessfully claimed that the judge's remarks during sentencing impermissibly referenced religious beliefs. (See prior posting.) The Christian Science Monitor reports on the Supreme Court's denial of review.