Judge to decide if Rhode Island inmate serving a life sentence can marry
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — After hearing opposing arguments, a federal court judge in Providence will now determine if a convicted murderer serving a life sentence in Rhode Island state prison can get married.
The Providence Journal reports testimony was heard Monday in Cody-Allen Zab's request to marry college professor Shelby Ferreira, whom he met while she was teaching prisoners.
Zab is challenging a century-old state law stipulating that prisoners be considered "dead in all respects" as if they had died immediately following their conviction.
Attorney Sonya Deyoe argued that the legislation violates Zab's Equal Protection rights by denying his fundamental right to marry while also allowing already married inmates to retain their status while serving life sentences.
Prosecutors said the law is within its rights to punish the "worst of the worst criminals."
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