**Texas Lawmakers Rally to Halt Execution in Contentious Criminal Justice Debate**

A group of Texas House representatives, comprising both Republicans and Democrats, has launched a concerted effort to prevent the execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson. This intervention has thrown a spotlight on the state's 11-year-old “junk science” law, designed to overturn convictions based on discredited forensic evidence.

The law, part of a broader wave of bipartisan reforms that started in the mid-2000s, sought to shift Texas away from its historically severe punitive policies. Instead, lawmakers have increasingly focused on rehabilitation and diversion. Despite the intent, Texas' highest criminal court has yet to grant a new trial to any death row inmate under the junk science statute, a point underscored by Roberson’s case.

Roberson was convicted in 2003 for the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki, which was initially attributed to shaken baby syndrome. However, his attorneys argue that new medical evidence invalidates this diagnosis. Yet, efforts to grant him a new trial have faced considerable opposition, particularly from key figures in the Republican Party.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton condemned the House's intervention, presenting his own evidence to counter the claims of Roberson's defenders. Gov. Greg Abbott also opposed the House's attempt to halt the execution, emphasizing his commitment to tougher bail laws.

Despite these obstacles, the push to spare Roberson has garnered significant bipartisan support in the House, including backing from some of its most conservative members. Advocates see this as a potential turning point that could rejuvenate the stalled criminal justice reform movement in Texas.

Key figures opposing the execution hope that the case will spotlight the shortcomings of the state's criminal justice system and push for meaningful changes. Marc Levin of the Council on Criminal Justice and former Judge Elsa Alcala have voiced optimism that this could represent a significant step forward for reform efforts.

The debate over the Roberson case exemplifies the broader tensions within Texas politics. Although legislative efforts for criminal justice reform have found support in the House, they have faced repeated setbacks in the Senate. Advocates stress that real progress will require buy-in from both chambers to overcome the deep-seated challenges of Texas' criminal justice system.