Top court rejects Abu-Jamal appeal for new trial

The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal for a new trial for death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal, convicted in the 1981 killing of a Philadelphia police officer. The justices did not comment on their action Monday, which leaves in place a federal appeals court ruling that upholds Abu-Jamal's murder conviction, but orders a new sentencing hearing. Officer Daniel Faulkner was shot to death after pulling over Abu-Jamal's brother in an overnight traffic stop. The case has drawn worldwide attention. Prosecutors say Faulkner,... [read full story]