Florida Supreme Court considers new death penalty law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The Florida Supreme Court has heard arguments on whether changes by the state legislature to the state's death penalty can be applied to pending cases.  Justices heard arguments Tuesday.

The legislature passed a new sentencing scheme this past session after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the old system unconstitutional because it gave too much power to judges and not juries. The new law, signed by Gov. Rick Scott in March, requires 10 jurors to recommend death. Also, a judge can't impose a death sentence when the jury recommends life.

Larry Darnell Perry, of St. Cloud, Florida, is accused of murdering his 3-month-old son in 2013. Florida's Fifth District Court of Appeal has asked justices whether the new law can be applied when the trial begins in August.