NATION IN BRIEF : MINNESOTA : City Panel Opposes Drug Death Penalty

The Minneapolis City Council approved a measure aimed at blocking enforcement of the federal law allowing the death penalty for some drug-related murders. It would have the city’s law officers bypass the U.S. attorney’s office if the death penalty were at stake. Officers instead would turn cases over to state and local prosecutors, because Minnesota has no death penalty. Critics say the resolution lacks teeth because federal authorities could still step in and try a homicide case if they wanted to. U.S. Atty. for Minneapolis Jerome Arnold responded that he is willing to try such cases and push for the death penalty where appropriate.