I want to know the answer to the following question:
What is decided at the first proceeding?
All the background I'm provided with is that "At the second hearing, the jury determines whether certain statutory aggravating factors exist, whether any mitigating factors exist, and, in many jurisdictions, weigh the aggravating and mitigating factors in assessing the ultimate penalty – either death or life in prison, either with or without parole.". Is that enough to answer the question?
Answer: no