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Death row case delays flagged," is the report in the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
The Mississippi Supreme Court has asked trial judges why they have not ruled on post-conviction claims of nine death row inmates.
At least four of the cases involve claims of mental disability.
The Supreme Court issued the orders Thursday. The justices said they want to know what is taking so long on the cases and if they should force on the trial judges a timetable to render decisions.
In a post-conviction petition, an inmate argues he has found new evidence - or a possible constitutional issue - that could persuade a court to order a new trial.
"The Court has undertaken a systematic review of all pending post-conviction death penalty cases and has sought information on the status of cases for which there appears to be a lack of activity," Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr. said.
He said the reviews will continue. "We will systematically review the status of death penalty post-conviction cases ... to assure that the fair and efficient administration of justice is being carried out."
The death row inmates with mental disability claims are Willie C. Russell in Sunflower County, Ricky Chase in Copiah County, Ronnie Lee Conner in Lauderdale County and Kevin Scott in Bolivar County.
Court records show the Supreme Court ordered a mental disability hearing for Russell in 2003. Similar hearings were ordered for Chase and Conner in 2004, and Scott in 2006.
In the other three cases, the justices want to know why no decision has been issued.
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