In re Maker

How later courts describe this case

• holding victim's action in stabbing her assailant could not rise to level of adequate cause where stabbing was not only an act of self-defense but also attempt to protect victim’s son
• victim’s actions in stabbing defendant in self-defense and defense of child did not amount to adequate cause for purposes of voluntary manslaughter
• death penalty not cruel and unusual punishment because jury has discretion whether to impose it
• mother and son were abducted in their car from church parking lot, were heard screaming for assistance, and never returned
• prosecutor's question "How many more women are we going to have to see this man rape before we say enough is enough?" not so grossly improper as to require ex mero motu intervention
• prior conviction of a violent felony