Paraguay, which learned of Breard's death sentence 2 years after it was imposed, contends it could have persuaded Breard to accept an alleged plea agreement that would have spared his life. Instead, Breard took the stand and admitted committing the crime, though he said he was acting under a satanic curse. Also waiting with strong interest for the international court's ruling is the U.S. Department of State, along with Virginia Attorney General Mark L. Earley's office. It will be the 1st ever made in a U.S. death case. The effect of the ruling is unknown.
Nobody knows what the answer to that question is.
David Botkins, an Earley spokesman, said Earley is aware of the invitation to the solicitor general and continues to monitor the stay petitions before the U.S. Supreme Court. In effect, it is seeking a stay of execution until the World Court can also answer the larger question of whether Breard should get a new trial. Also presumably waiting to see what happens will be the U.S. Supreme Court, where Paraguay has the same 2 requests pending. Experts on international law say it is unclear just how binding such a ruling is on a country, though most countries follow them. So, we're going to have to see what they say 1st and then figure out what it means.