Brenda Andrew, convicted 20 years ago in a murder conspiracy case, is appealing her conviction after the Supreme Court mandated a review. During her trial, prosecutors focused on her sexual history and personal choices, including inappropriate courtroom displays meant to portray her as an unworthy widow. The Court's decision to revisit the appeal highlights ongoing concerns about gender bias and the relevance of evidence presented at trial, with Andrew's attorney arguing significant aspects of the prosecution's case were irrelevant and sexist.
The prosecution invited the jury to convict and condemn Ms. Andrew to death because she was not a 'stereotypical' woman - her clothing was not modest enough, her demeanor was not emotional enough, and she was not chaste enough.
The State spent significant time at trial introducing evidence about Andrew's sex life and about her failings as a mother and wife, much of which it later conceded was irrelevant.
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