Spencer v. State

In this case, Petitioner, Kevon Spencer (“Spencer”), challenges the trial judge’s finding that defense counsel’s explanations for striking jurors, in light of a Batscm Challenge, were a pretext for racial discrimination. Batson v. Kentucky, 476 U.S. 79, 97-98, 106 S.Ct. 1712, 1723-24, 90 L.Ed.2d 69, 88-89 (1986). Spencer argues that defense counsel provided valid, race neutral explanations; however, the trial judge did not point to evidence, on the record, to support the court’s finding that the challenged party’s explanation was a pretext for racial discrimination. Thus, the presiding judge,…