The U.S. Supreme Court has directed a new review of the case involving Brenda Andrew, the only woman on Oklahoma's death row, over concerns that references to her sexual history during her trial may have compromised her right to a fair trial. On Tuesday, the Court annulled a previous ruling from the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that had upheld her conviction for the 2001 murder of her husband, Rob Andrew.

During her trial in 2004, prosecutors utilized inflammatory evidence, including sexually charged comments referring to Andrew as a "slut puppy" and displaying a pair of her thong underwear to the jury. Such tactics led Andrew's lawyers to argue that the prosecution's focus on her sexual history unfairly swayed the jury against her, thus questioning the integrity of the judicial process. A dissenting judge from the appeals court recognized that the prosecution's strategy painted Andrew as a "scarlet woman," rendering her trial fundamentally biased.

Brenda Andrew was convicted alongside her lover, James Pavatt, who is also on death row for his role in orchestrating the murder to claim insurance benefits. The Supreme Court's unsigned decision requires the 10th Circuit to reevaluate whether the trial court's admission of "irrelevant evidence" was unduly prejudicial, potentially violating her rights under the Due Process Clause.

Justice Clarence Thomas, along with Justice Neil Gorsuch, dissented from the majority opinion, arguing the state presented ample evidence of Andrew's involvement in the murder. They maintained that any references to her personal life were a minor aspect of the extensive case against her.

At trial, the prosecution depicted Andrew in a negative light, undermining her defense as a devoted mother. They sought to demonstrate not only a motive but also her supposed manipulative character. Despite a lack of direct evidence linking her to the murder, the prosecutors emphasized her past relationships and demeanor. Critics argue that this significantly tainted the jury's perception, focusing on her character rather than the facts of the case.

As the case returns to the source of the AP News, judges will determine whether the trial's handling warrants reconsideration of her conviction. If upheld, Andrew's legal avenues may be exhausted, leaving her with clemency as her only option.

This case raises significant questions about the legal system's treatment of women in the context of murder trials, notably when aspects of personal character are introduced as evidence, as highlighted by Andrew's worldview as a "bad mother" and accusations of manipulation. CBS News and Newsweek also provided extensive coverage on this evolving legal matter.