Death penalty battles likely to continue after election

BRIAN MELLEY
Associated Press

The battle over California’s death penalty is not likely to be resolved at the ballot box.

Opponents of capital punishment have asked the state Supreme Court to block Proposition 66, a ballot measure that would speed up executions.

Experts say it’s the first volley in what could be a protracted legal battle if the measure becomes law.

The proposition was supported on 51 percent of ballots counted. But with millions of outstanding votes, it was too close to call Friday .

Voters shot down a death penalty repeal measure.

Death penalty supporters say the court challenge filed Wednesday is a frivolous stall tactic by lawyers trying to thwart the will of voters.

The court petition claims the reforms would disrupt the courts, cost more money and limit the ability to mount proper appeals.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.