Document: 432 U.S. 282 97 S.Ct. 2290 53 L.Ed.2d 344 Ernest John DOBBERT, Jr., Petitioner,v.State of FLORIDA. No. 76-5306. Argued March 28, 1977. Decided June 17, Rehearing Denied Oct. 3, See 434 882, 98 246. Syllabus The Florida death penalty statute, which was upheld in Proffitt v. Florida, 428 242, 96 2960, 49 913, requires, upon the conviction a capital felon, separate sentencing hearing before trial judge and jury, at certain evidence relating to aggravating or mitigating circumstances must be admitted. based on such circumstances, then renders an advisory decision, not binding judge, who also weigh if he imposes sentence, set forth written findings fact. judgment sentence are thereafter subject automatic priority review by Supreme Court. Petitioner convicted court of, inter alia, first-degree murder one his children. Pursuant above statute after required hearing, recommended life but overruled that recommendation sentenced petitioner death. Court affirmed. makes three claims constitutional prohibition against ex post facto laws: (1) change role jury imposing under effect time mercy reviewable constituted violation because deprived him substantial right have determine, without whether should imposed; (2) there no "in effect" earlier later held invalid Furman Georgia, 408 238, 92 2726, 33 346; (3) current (the sentenced) requires anyone imprisonment serve least 25 years becoming eligible for parole, whereas prior contained limitation. related claim since its own decision invalidating resentenced all prisoners sentences pursuant old crimes were committed Furman, imposition new denied equal protection laws. He further pretrial publicity concerning fair trial. Held: 1. changes between procedural whole ameliorative, hence is violation. Pp. 293-297. (a) simply altered methods employed determining imposed, quantum punishment attached crime. 293-294. (b) provides defendants with more, rather than less, judicial statute. Death automatic, absent mercy, as it statute; may overridden only exacting standards, but, unlike binding. Defendants second chance third, necessary, 294-297. 2. existence served "operative fact" warn would seek impose murder, this sufficient compliance provision Constitution, notwithstanding subsequent invalidation 297-298. 3. Petitioner, having been death, complain burdens old. 298-301. 4. did deny Having neither tried nor similarly situated those whose commuted, irrational relegate class acts could properly punished sentence. P. 301. 5. Absent anything record, particular respect voir dire examination jurors, require finding unfairness method selection character jurors actually selected, has failed show "totality circumstances" extensive news media coverage case 301-303. 328 So.2d 433, Louis O. Frost, Jacksonville, Fla., petitioner. Charles W. Musgrove, Tallahassee, respondent. Mr. Justice REHNQUIST delivered opinion 1 first degree, child abuse, torture. victims Under murder. affirmed, we granted certiorari consider statutes subjected law laws, significant amount crime We conclude shown deprivation any federal right, affirm 2 * daughter Kelly Ann, aged 9, second-degree son Ryder Scott, 7. found guilty torturing III, 11, abusing Honore Elizabeth, brutality heinousness these relevant both petitioner's motion venue due judge's factual phase trial, summarized treatment offspring follows: 3 "The testimony showed premeditated continuous torture, brutality, sadism unspeakable horrors children over period time." App. 47. 4 detailed some inflicted young relied meet statutory requirement found: 5 "Over latter portion Ann's short, tortu(r) ous defendant things her many occasions: 6 "1. Beat head until swollen. 7 "2. Burned hands. 8 "3. Poked fingers eyes. 9 "4. abdomen 'it swollen like she pregnant.' 10 "5. Knocked wall 'when fell, kicked lower part body.' 11 "6. Held water bath tub toilet. 12 "7. Kicked table cut sewed up wound needle thread. 13 "8. Scarred body beating belt board causing marks from cheek, across neck down back injuries worsened 'until juices came out.' "9. On occasion beat continuously 45 minutes. 14 "10. occasions stomach shoes on, night died number times. 15 "11. Kept out school so scars, cuts bruises seen others. 16 "12. Defendant made effort get professional medical care attention fact actively prevented out-siders discovering condition. 17 "13. Choked when stopped breathing placed plastic garbage bag buried unmarked unknown grave." Id., 47-48. 18 This sordid tale began unravel early 1972 III battered wandering Fla.1 An arrest warrant issued petitioner, evidently had fled area. About year later, Elizabeth Ft. Lauderdale hospital note pinned clothing asking sent mother Wisconsin. Shortly abandoned automobile near bridge suicide front seat. however, Texas, where eventually arrested extradited Florida. 19 Prior applied Constitutional Stay Trial,2 alleging application protection. 81-86. denied. moved venue, charged "inherently odious" acts, id., regarding flight, extradition, arrest, well search bodies Jacksonville Police Department, rendered impossible impartial Duval County. 17-18. took advisement order enjoining connected releasing statement about media. 25-26. 20 Trial degree. effect, jury. 10-to-2 majority outweigh imprisonment. authority amended jury's affirmed two dissents. II 21 Equal Protection Clause Fourteenth Amendment. His addressed function them. grounded contention acted valid third relates more stringent parole requirements law. A discussion death-sentencing procedures brings into focus. 22 murders alleged occurred December 31, 1971 (Kelly Ann), January April 8, (Ryder Scott). During time, Fla.Stat.Ann. §§ 775.082 (1971) 921.141 (Supp.1971-1972), written, provided person felony unless verdict included jury.3 23 22, 1972, struck Georgia violative Eighth Amendments. 346. thereafter, July Donaldson Sack, 265 499, inconsistent Furman. Late enacted procedure, 1973 Fla.Laws, c. 72-724, amending, 921.141.4 24 Stewart, Powell, Stevens 913 (1976), constitutionality upheld, details length operation revised § 921.141.5 U.S., 247-251, S.Ct., 2964-2966. After felony, Any deems admitted, vote, court, circumstances. If It light adjudge claims. argues constitutes views procedure depriving imposed. procedural, ameliorative,6 posto 26 Article I, 10, United States Constitution prohibits State passing "ex Law." Our cases attempted precisely delimit scope Latin phrase, instead given substance accretion In Beazell Ohio, 269 167, 169-170, 46 68, 70 L.Ed. 216 (1925), Stone characteristics law: 27 "It settled, decisions known their citation dispensed with, punishes act previously committed, innocent done; burdensome crime, commission, deprives defense available according prohibited facto." equally "(t)he inhibition passage laws does give criminal tried, respects, force committed." Gibson Mississippi, 162 565, 590, 904, 910, 40 1075 (1896). "(T)he intended secure personal rights arbitrary oppressive legislation, see Malloy South Carolina, 237 180, 183, 35 507, 59 905, limit legislative control remedies modes do affect matters substance." supra, 171, 69. 28 Even though work disadvantage defendant, facto. For example, Hopt Utah, 110 574, 202, 262 (1884), date homicide felon called witness. Subsequent date, case, changed; stand testified, implicating him. obviously detrimental impact theretofore act, aggravated greater punishment, changed proof necessary convict. 589, 210. 29 Thompson Missouri, 171 380, 922, 43 204 (1898), solely circumstantial evidence. reversed Missouri inadmissibility make admissible again convicted. Nonetheless, Ex Post Facto Clause. 30 hand, clearly procedural. following language applicable summarizes our conclusion Clause: 31 present indicted, prescribed therefor, quantity degree establish guilt, remained unaffected statute." 589-590, 32 ameliorative. axiomatic onerous harmed But certainly cannot said assurance that, conducted returned life.7 Hence, speculation compelling. compare toto determine fairly characterized onerous. "presumed" unbridled discretion, mercy. Legislature specifically provide protections thus providing provided, Proffitt, substantial. held; allowed perception factors case. final determination, making insufficient 34 Finally, what termed tripartite review, each means perfunctory; noted vacated reviewed date. 253, 2967.8 Perhaps most importantly, standard used court's rejection life: "In sustain life, facts suggesting clear convincing virtually reasonable differ." Tedder State, 322 908, 910 (1975) (emphasis added) (cited approbation 249, 2965.) 36 crucial demonstrates affords significantly safeguards procedure. standards Tedder.9 disadvantaged vis-a-vis jury; other determination No afforded viewing totality wrought ultimate 499 (Fla.1972), while supra. B 37 Petitioner's murdered so, contends, legislature was, acted, 346 (1972). Therefore, "valid" actions. sophistic argument mocks Whether future, withstand attack, indicated Florida's view severity wished murderers. maximum deterrence, books warning culpability ascribed 38 highly technical odds Chicot County Drainage District Baxter Bank, 308 371, 374, 60 317, 318, 84 329 (1940): 39 courts below proceeded theory Act Congress, unconstitutional, law; inoperative, conferring duties, affording basis challenged decree. Norton Shelby County, 118 425, 442, 1121, 1125, 178; Chicago, I. & L. Ry. Co. Hackett, 228 559, 566, 581, 584, 57 966. quite clear, broad statements unconstitutionality taken qualifications. actual operative consequences justly ignored." 41 Here Constitution. C 42 parole. Lee 294 305 (1974), restricting constitutionally effective contends nonetheless enactment amounts law, successfully challenge imposed course, receive added onus attaching result Lindsey Washington, 301 397, 400-401, 797, 798, 81 1182 (1937), stated: 44 mandatory confinement during entire fifteen period. they admitted become expiration terms fixed board, remain surveillance may, years, revoked discretion cancelled will governor. true petitioners might clause looks forbids punitive measure already consummated, detriment material wrongdoer. Kring (107 221,) 228-229, 443, 506; re Medley, 134 160, 384, 835; 170 343, 351, 620, 1061. reason increase possible facto, Calder Bull, Dall 386, 390, 648; Cummings (4 Wall. 277,) 326, 356; 184, regardless severe earlier, Callahan, 109 La. 946, So. 931; Smith, 56 Or. 21, 107 980." (Emphasis added.) Lifted context read expansively, emphasized portions quoted lend support claim. think consideration decided lead sought here Washington state respecting grand larceny violated At larceny, minimum less months. sentenced, 15-year convict far short observed even "subject surveillance" itself revocation. 47 Lindsey, then, received within permissible bounds albeit outer limits bounds. received, much shorter contrast here, complaining abstract events proved, applicability complaint totally eliminated once thereby assured discretionary 48 excerpted mean barred challenging penal code grounds thing find spectrum length; another this, proceedings complains. can comparable Lindsey's. alternative sentences. Only confer standing burden newly never assist hold D 50 Anderson 267 (Fla.1972); Baker, 331 denies 51 commuted. they, former gravity consistent draw line point progressed sufficiently legal process governed concomitant provision, involved them There nothing class, 52 understandably, several aspects accept assertion, Brief 38-48, coverage, including television radio stories various Murphy 421 794, 95 2031, 589 (1975), heard through coverage. Characterizing previous overturned state-court involving "a atmosphere utterly corrupted press coverage," 2035, recognized: 54 "Qualified need not, ignorant issues involved. 55 " 'To mere preconceived notion guilt innocence accused, rebut presumption prospective juror's impartiality standard. juror lay aside impression render presented court.' 799-800, 2036, quoting Irvin Dowd, 366 717, 723, 1639, 1642, 751 (1961). concluded setting inherently prejudicial permitted inference prejudice. 803, 2037. 78 interviewed, exercised peremptory challenges. Specifically referring Murphy, concluded: 58 "(W)e record everything insure defendant. carefully extensively examined counsel impartial, sequestered comprehensive gag participants "Appellant prejudicial." So.2d, 439-440. rests almost entirely received. directed us specific selected. knowledge community either putative unfair. aware charges asks presume magnitude absence "trial . 2035. One reasonably suspected murdering expect anonymous. convince circumstances," wrong publicity. therefore 61 Affirmed. 62 Chief BURGER, concurring. 63 I join factor me, Court's recites, offense. constructively notice indeed follow elapsed commission offense different appropriate punishment. procedures, whole, were, anything, favorable petitioner; consequently otherwise suggests. 64 BRENNAN MARSHALL, dissenting. 65 Adhering cruel unusual Amendments, Gregg 153, 227, 231, 2909, 2950, 2973, 859 vacate 66 STEVENS, whom MARSHALL join, 67 few simple question case.1 offense, Several months 913. Before passed, matter offense.2 undisputed, therefore, passed source power put 68 holds apply violating Clause.3 view, unconstitutional "clearly murderers." Ante, 297. concludes "fair warning" "was Constitution." 298.4 69 represents departure test past construing That stated 401, 799, 1182, mind: wrongdoer."5 71 Applying authorized Notwithstanding defendant's retroactively him.6 increased probability created possibility lawfully committed. dramatically difficult envision. 72 adhere test. Fair touchstone, reasons. First, workable deciding cases. Second, Harlan explained,7 important value underlying prohibition; basic improperly motivated capricious legislation.8 ensures sovereign govern impartially perceived doing so. test, extends beyond allow government action just opposite impartial. rationale defeat very purpose 73 By fairness judged? Is itinerant, slightest contain, judged differently local lawyer? assumption rest somewhat unrealistic everyone deemed know words constitute citizens bound "they (are) expounded it." 221, 235, 455, 506. lawyer itinerant presumed nullity. individual's vacated. 74 As pre-Furman statutes, inadequate. "existence books" "of murder." 297, 298. contrary, "for practical purposes run course." 313, 2764, (White, J., concurring). "freakishly imposed" "cruel same way being lightning unusual." 310, 309, 2763, 2762 (Stewart, warning," meaningful use words. 75 replaces common understanding meaning plainly revealed nationwide response Of hundreds row none Each persons, legislatures uniformly executed subsequently adopts today, is, barrier. 76 am correct barrier action, today's holding perverse. human stake, prevent greatest, establish. Cf. Skinner Oklahoma rel. Williamson, 316 535, 1110, 86 1655. Yet results intolerably arbitrary. Miller 332 (Fla. 1976), delayed incompetence capacity restored, Had fortuitous illness, promptly escaped penalty. Because delay control, entitle consequence particularly grotesque advised removed sentence.9 77 logical manifestly intolerable results,10 assume ultimately regarded archaic gargoyle. nevertheless distressing witness demeaning construction majestic bulwark framework respectfully dissent. These background facts, referred 433 disputed gleaned briefs parties. 4-13; accord, Respondent Appellate Rule 4.5g. text "Recommendation punishable shall includes When plea waived imprisonment." (Supp.1971-1972). "Penalties felonies misdemeanors. imprisonment, (sic ) court." (1971). Court, Dixon, 283 (1973), (1976). full (Supp.1976-1977) "921.141 Sentence felonies; "(1) Separate issue Upon adjudication conduct proceeding 775.082. soon practicable. If, impossibility inability, unable reconvene penalty, determined summon special Chapter waived, pleaded guilty, impaneled purpose, proceeding, include enumerated subsections (6) (7). probative admissibility exclusionary rules evidence, accorded opportunity hearsay statements. However, subsection construed authorize introduction secured constitutions "(2) Advisory deliberate matters: "(a) exist (6); "(b) (7), exist; "(c) Based considerations, (imprisonment) "(3) Findings weighing enter writing facts: (6), supported (7) records proceedings. requiring accordance section "(4) Review sixty (60) days certification extended additional exceed thirty (30) good cause shown. Such promulgated "(5) Aggravating limited following: threat violence person. knowingly great risk persons. "(d) engaged, accomplice, attempt commit, flight committing attempting robbery, rape, arson, burglary, kidnapping, aircraft piracy unlawful throwing, placing, discharging destructive device bomb. "(e) avoiding preventing lawful affecting escape custody. "(f) pecuniary gain. "(g) disrupt hinder exercise governmental enforcement "(h) especially heinous, atrocious, cruel. "(6) Mitigating history activity. influence extreme mental emotional disturbance. victim participant consented act. accomplice participation relatively minor. duress domination appreciate criminality conform substantially impaired. age crime." independent bases decision. affected members arbiters They chosen leniency knew rested shoulders followed course vote final. Since informs us, nine sentences, eight. 18-19, n. 3; Respondent's Notice Additional Authority. denigrates obvious factors, adduced. To demonstrate nature resulted extenso conclusions phase: "There justify concluding my experience exclusively field Judge attorney cases, prosecutor eight half Criminal Circuit Felony Division years. "During defended, prosecuted every type serious atrocious one. "My sordid, tragic violent side confined Courtroom. World War II, Army Paratrooper overseas ground combat. friends blown bits suffering conceivable form. "I easily shocked (a)ffected tragedy cruelty helpless, defenseless cruel, heinous eve(r) personally deserving death." 49. crimes, recounts detail, voted spare life. 346, abolished, category "capital offenses" ceased exist, existing (1972); Whalen, 678 Following decisions, "(n)o pass Bill Attainder, Law, Law impairing Obligation Contracts ." Art. applies Congress. conclusion, cites single Instead, relies retroactive attack civil 329. 506, legislation explicitly endorsed "excellent observation" Denio New York Appeals: 'No criminally country, except authority, imputed offence existed time.' 230-231, 451, Hartung People, N.Y. 95, 104 (1860) original). Stone's believe, case: King Dall. 326 (, 356); 980. "Removal end freed tutelage revocable will, operates sense adopted hardly thought alone, change. Marion Neb. 349, N.W. 289. striking instance ensues revision compulsory. inquire technically annexed 648. 401-402, 799. plain validly understood serving ensuring "Aside problems intent, policy seem apprehension legislature, penalties conduct, engaged believed (as crime), acting dangerous generally persons classes persons." James States, 213, 247 1052, 1070, 246 (separate opinion). Unlike guarantees Rights originally Federal Government, always States. Chase, adopted, probably bills attainder England. "With exceptions, advocates stimulated ambition, resentment, vindictive malice. such, similar, injustice, Legislatures, bill ; law." 389, indication times Chase inherent rule government: "This fundamental principle flows free Republican governments, man compelled require; refrain permit. genius, nature, spirit, Governments, legislation; general principles forbid maintain Federal, possesses powers, expressly restrained; would, opinion, political heresy, altogether inadmissible republican governments." 388-389 (italics omitted). comment Learned Hand extending limitations kind situation: turns how done instinctive feelings justice play. assure safe pursuit, withdraw assurance, seems unfair dishonest." Falter F.2d 420, 425-426 (CA2 1928). area example worth argument. Grayned City Rockford, 104, 2294, 222 demonstrators ordinance picketing 150 feet school. convictions anti-noise anti-picketing ordinance. reversal exempted peaceful labor dispute; neutral content. Department Chicago Mosley, 92, 2286, 212. meantime, delete exemption removing First Amendment problem, 2, 2298. understand now actions 1969, prohibit conduct. mind sure today considered potential (and prosecutorial) abuse holding. Framers avoid. Indeed, Grayned. Grayned, agreed concession amendment 'has, Appellant's situation,' went say "(n)ecessarily, facial appellant convicted." 2298 holding, why cure defect original

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