Document: 494 U.S. 738 110 S.Ct. 1441 108 L.Ed.2d 725 Chandler CLEMONS, Petitionerv.MISSISSIPPI. No. 88-6873. Argued Nov. 29, 1989. Decided March 28, 1990. Syllabus At the sentencing hearing following petitioner Clemons' Mississippi capital murder conviction, trial court instructed jury, among other things, that, in deciding whether to impose death penalty, it should consider statutory aggravating factors: (1) that was committed during course of a "robbery for pecuniary gain," and (2) an "especially heinous, atrocious or cruel" killing. Finding both factors were present they outweighed any mitigating circumstances, jury sentenced Clemons death, State Supreme Court affirmed. The latter court, although acknowledging heinous" factor constitutionally invalid under Maynard v. Cartwright, 486 356, 1853, 100 372, held case did not require reversal, since, inter alia, had previously given constitutional limiting construction. then declared "beyond reasonable doubt," jury's verdict would have been same without too great punishment when circumstances weighed against each other. Held: 1. Even "weighing" like Mississippi, is permissible appellate reweigh evidence uphold jury-imposed sentence based part on improperly defined circumstance. Pp. 744-750. (a) Nothing Sixth Amendment, Eighth provision requires as opposed make findings prerequisite such imposition after has invalidated one two more found by jury. Cf., e.g., Cabana Bullock, 474 376, 385, 106 689, 696, 88 704; Spaziano Florida, 468 447, 104 3154, 82 340. 745-746. (b) assertion law only authority he therefore unqualified liberty interest Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment assess consequences invalidation which rejected. This no basis disputing state court's interpretation these vacate remand new proceeding before but instead allowed decide itself affirm sentence. Cf. supra, at 387, n. 4, 697, 4. Hicks Oklahoma, 447 343, 2227, 65 175, distinguished. 746-747. (c) Also rejected contention since courts are unable fully give effect defendant's sentencing-phase evidence, violates undertake attempt salvage imposed weighing reweighing odds with contemporary standards fairness inherently unreliable likely result arbitrary Appellate routinely supports and, weighing-state cases, sentencer could arrived imposed. Moreover supreme penalty States may well review many sentences, while typical jurors will serve their lifetimes. Thus, can do defendant individualized reliable determination his background, crime. Furthermore, contrary claim, able adequately evaluate relating assistance written findings. 748-750. 2. However, must be remanded because unclear correctly employed reweighing. Although opinion below contains indications properly performed function either disregarding entirely remaining circumstance including balance narrowed its prior decisions, also read creating automatic rule relied invalidated, affirmed long there remains least valid undisturbed Such Lockett Ohio, 438 586, 98 2954, 57 973, Eddings 455 104, 102 869, 71 1, defendants necessary treatment from actual weighing. Moreover, light virtual silence allegedly gave sufficient consideration. 750-752. 3. if, law, appellate, function, apply harmless-error analysis consideration See, Barclay 463 939, 103 3418, 77 1134. analysis. If cryptic holding suggest doubt" even if instruction gain" balanced ultimate conclusion giving harmless detailed explanation record, fact repeatedly emphasized argued placed little emphasis factor. possible intended ask beyond doubt instructions, this determined failure instruct error, clear meant follow course. 752-754. 535 So.2d 1354, vacated remanded. WHITE, J., delivered Court, REHNQUIST, C.J., O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, JJ., joined. BRENNAN, filed concurring dissenting part, post, p. 755. BLACKMUN, MARSHALL, STEVENS, joined, 756. Kenneth S. Resnick, Cincinnati, petitioner. Marvin L. White, Jr., Jackson, Miss., respondent. Justice WHITE Court. 1 upheld though regarding pressed State, atrocious, cruel," our decision 372 (1988). we hold Federal Constitution does prevent upholding review, judgment remand, methods. 2 * On evening April 17, 1987, complained friends needed money suggested robbery pizza delivery man. used pay telephone order apartment complex. He others, Calvin Hay, went complex car waited. When vehicle arrived, Hay got out car; carried shotgun belonging Hay. stopped entered ordered driver, Arthur Shorter, get car. Shorter told take pockets, did. lie down, took bag some vehicle, about return where sitting asked seen face. answered affirmative, him kill Shorter. begged life shot into Calvin. As drove away, looked back saw raise head once. died shortly thereafter. 3 three men eventually home. disposed hole backyard. Calvin, however, later night related shooting incident sister's friend, who happened county jailer. next day arrested home made videotaped statement admitted being group robbed denied foreknowledge plan killer. Before Sheriff hidden gun. 4 indicted change venue, tried principal witness plea agreement Mississippi. convicted held. hearing, presented arguably establishing case: gain testimony mother psychologist evidence. extensively regard bare terms statute.1 further several times need present. finding circumstances. 5 appealed conviction 1354 After rejecting arguments guilt challenges proceeding, addressed validity never raised issue. began noting Oklahoma's identical unconstitutionally vague provide guidance penalty. recognized refused sustain Maynard, remained, Oklahoma procedure salvaging sentences left question constructions first instance. 6 distinguished sustained grounds: established "when unsupported nonetheless support verdict," So.2d, 1362 (citing cases); construction, narrowing category murders conscienceless pitiless unnecessarily torturous victim, id., 1363 Coleman 378 640, 648 (1979)); (3) less than seven instructions "singly collectively regardless required penalty," "if . circumstances." 1364 instructions). 7 stated all considerations plus "the brutal facts surrounding inescapable Cartwright dictate outcome sub judice." Ibid. added "[w]e likewise 'especially cruel' circumstance." Finally, conducted proportionality review. noted reviewed record "[i]n ." Id., 1365. Three justices dissented, arguing resentencing factors. We granted certiorari, 491 904, 109 3184, 105 693 (1989). II 8 deal petitioner's submission impermissible In Zant Stephens, 462 862, 2733, 235 (1983), Georgia, eligible determine punishment, necessarily withheld opinion, "concerning significance particular 'invalid' scheme judge specifically weigh exercising discretion penalty." 890, 2749. unlike Georgia considered Zant, determination, circumstances.2 differences complicate questions raised, believe reversal case. 9 construed decisions indicates right infringed invalidates affirms outweigh Any argument soundly 704 (1986), Enmund 458 782, 3368, 73 1140 (1982), instance "[t]he punishment—even penalty—is appropriate ever jury." U.S., S.Ct., 696. 340 (1984), ruled neither nor provides appropriateness sentence; double jeopardy prohibition judge's override recommended Likewise, specify permit Hildwin 490 638, 2055, 728 (1989), sentencing, turns specific fact. McMillan Pennsylvania, 477 79, 93, 2411, 2420, 91 67 (1986). B 10 To avoid import argues sentence, see Miss.Code Ann. § 99-19-101 (Supp.1989), having determinations relevant cannot Capital proceedings satisfy dictates Clause, Gardner 430 349, 358, 97 1197, 1205, 51 393 (1977) (plurality opinion), creates findings, speculative suffice protect entitlement due process purposes. 175 (1980). general propositions lead seeks. 11 recidivist statute provided mandatory 40-year Criminal Appeals within range validly claimed, conceded, overcome "frail conjecture" "might" absence statute. 346, 2229. pointed out, "purport cure deprivation reconsidering appropriateness" 347, 2230 (footnote omitted), thus suggesting conducted, violate law. 12 Contrary situation Hicks, case, asserted been, improperly, bound distinct ground plainly means reject consequence instructed. respect, analogous challenge created make.3 C 13 submits phase insists, therefore, entitled reversed. unpersuaded, cases result. Indeed, point opposite direction. 14 primary concern context defendant, 460, 3162; 879, 2744; 110-112, 874-875, (1982); 601-605, 2963-2965, 973 (1978) opinion); Gregg 428 153, 197, 96 2909, 2936, 49 859 (1976) (joint Stewart, Powell, JJ.). scrutinizing procedures "twin objectives" "measured consistent application accused." Eddings, 110-111, 874-875. See Lockett, 604, 2964 (emphasizing importance reliability). inherent inconsistent pursuit foregoing objectives. 15 reason careful produce application" way unfair defendant. It routine task in"weighing" States, And, indicates, similar involved meaningful promotes reliability consistency. 204-206, 2939-2941 JJ.); Proffitt 242, 253, 2960, 2967, 913 Dobbert 432 282, 295-296, 2290, 2299-2300, 53 344 (1977); Jurek Texas, 262, 276, 2950, 2958, 929 important note authorizing jurors, contrast, Proffitt, 252-253, 2966-2967. Therefore, conclude 16 surely i.e. killed, attempted kill, kill. Wainwright Goode, 464 78, 378, 78 187 (1983) (per curiam), instructive. There, Florida ("future dangerousness") imposing Goode. independent reweighed factors, concluded warranted. federal habeas Goode successfully challenged reliance reversed grant writ available stand. "Whatever true judge, claim conducting Goode's future dangerousness. Consequently sound concluding followed produced freakish forbidden Amendment." 86-87, 383.4 17 accordingly nothing Nor impressed concerning perform proper role. permitting recommendation An III 18 permissible, actually simply circumstance, approach whatsoever. hand insists undertaken. 19 find respect embraced recites construction factor, 1363, seems indicate applying definition For example, refers "brutal facts" Shorter's elsewhere states other." 1364, times, employing entirely. "[T]his (Mississippi) unequivocally through years verdict." 1362. 20 addition, undertaken, requiring affirmance so what meant, understand concept. (1978), mix 958, 3429, 1134 opinion). Additionally, Court's virtually silent particulars sure heeded emphasizing sentencer's must, below, proceedings, insofar purported rely 390-392, 699-700. IV 21 open error occurred harmless. Satterwhite 249, 1792, 284 plurality opined, reviewing law: 22 "Cases [those cited petitioner] mechanical fashion, rather upholds finds There why examine struck elimination possibly affect balance. 'What character individual crime.' [462 U.S.], 879 [103 2744] (emphasis original)." 3429. 23 argues, incorrectly applied rule, acted arbitrarily failed prove 24 With statement: "We 1364. standard, Chapman California, 386 18, 24, 87 824, 828, 705 (1967), suggests agree took, very difficult accept. points hearing. Under us 25 perhaps possible, especially heinous instructions; error. Because rested proceedings. V 26 convey impression engage errors proceeding. Our permissible. situations, peculiarities extremely impossible. face certain difficulties determining Caldwell 472 320, 330-331, 2633, 2640-2641, 86 231 (1985). Nevertheless, courts, make.5 VI 27 reasons vacated, opinion. 28 So ordered. 29 part. 30 I concur vacated. join BLACKMUN's separate suggestion save "reweighing" Adhering my view cruel unusual prohibited Amendments, 227, (BRENNAN, dissenting), direct circumscribed preclude reimposition 31 whom STEVENS join, 32 Mississippi's insufficient jury,1 articulate satisfactory affirming upon Clemons. dissent, majority's strong gratuitous nevertheless "salvage" performing own 33 Godfrey 446 420, 1759, 64 398 (1980), Georgia's "outrageously wantonly vile, horrible inhuman" stated: "There few words, standing alone, implies restraint capricious infliction A person ordinary sensibility fairly characterize almost every 'outrageously inhuman.' " 428-429, 1764-1765. (1988), language issue—'especially cruel'—gave inhuman' returned Godfrey." 363-364, 1859. evil "catchall" "no principled distinguish imposed, not." 433, 1767 apparent unless method limited meaningfully. 34 sought pointing "limiting construction" adopted 640 (Miss.1979): ' "What included those crimes commission felony accompanied additional acts set crime apart norm felonies—the victim." (1988) (quoting Coleman, 648, turn quoted Spinkellink Wainwright, 578 F.2d 582, 611 (CA5 1978), cert. denied, 440 976, 99 1548, 59 796 (1979)). reads establish all. page cited, quoted: 35 'Again, feel meaning matter common knowledge, man guess intended.' (Emphasis deleted.) 36 argued, expected interpret words signifying seek clarify Rather, clarification necessary2—a proposition emphatically Maynard. intended—and proved utterly unable—to 37 vast majority submitted, language. frequently phrase readily comprehensible average juror necessary.3 occasion better clarifying instruction, reversible error.4 another far discourage use instruction.5 refusal requested defense, tracked Coleman.6 short, accident anomaly case—like Maynard7—was devices circumstance.8 38 served limit "unnecessarily begin with, disavowed sustaining sentences. Irving 441 846, 850 (aggravating supported victim instantly: "While involve type physical and/or mental torture [this factor] prolonged suffering"), 470 1059, 1774, 84 834 (1985).9 cruel."10 record. Often despite instantly brief period time.11 jury;12 occasions justified previous instantaneous.13 announced prevented juries acting belief cruel.14 39 above, dissent thereby That portion discussion pure simple advisory something thought avoided disinclined Michigan Long, 1032, 1040-1041, 3469, 3476-3477, 1201 (1983); Bayard Lombard, How. 530, 548-549 (1850). recognizes, indication intends power so. bearing conclusion, courts. Rather awaiting, reviewing, tribunals, today assumes role offer helpful suggestions seeking expedite process. Of form take. But impropriety eliminated possibility act advice. 40 view, issue sadly flawed. rests State's legitimate real sense, approved assumed sentencer. logical implication trial-level Instead, (including reporter) might shipped 41 approval precedents. relies principally decisions. Two seem me inapposite; third, lending frail distinguishable really crucial aspects. 42 theoretical position. end, goes significantly reached Bullock. (1982)—that killing occur—could presumption correctness noted, significant limitations ability Enmund: 43 instances, [of correctness] factfinding criteria 'adequate,' U.S.C. 2254(d)(2). credibility accurately paper falling 2254(d)(2) exception exist, excuse obligation entire made, always inadequate. adversely issues ambiguities resolved her favor." 388, 5, 698 5. 44 me, stands "summary judgment" viewing most favorable disputed And certainly weight observing witnesses. 45 misplaced. alleged —reliance "future dangerousness" circumstance—was only. said forbid dangerousness (1976); concerned, received error-free level. held, ensure haphazard fashion "an 87, 383. unremarkable ordinarily 86, 383 957-958, 3428-3429, opinion)), broad latitude state-law claims. requirements. 46 "we findings." Ante, 750. Spaziano—that assessed witnessed testimony—is irrelevant assessment cold immediately conclusory "[a]n findings" emerges nowhere. 47 —reflecting implicit assumption judges somehow interchangeable—is symptomatic confusion notes: "It 'weighing' [A] review." 748-749. equates initial fact, institutionally incapable fulfilling functions juries.15 48 "even wanted finders, capacity cold, printed hears witnesses live, observes demeanor smells smoke battle position equipped desire." Gavin 473 952, 955 also, Cook 467 203, 204 (Miss.1985) ("[W]e choice accord deference verdicts juries, chances injustice infinitely greater impartial drawn fair cross-section community"); Hall 427 957, 960, (Miss.1983) ("We emphasize here making conflicting this"). stressed: "Under sole player judicial vote send accused die. They alone correctness." Wiley 449 756, 762 (1984). Leatherwood 539 1378, 1389 (Miss.1989) ("It matters not, now complete, [evidence] circuit sits factfinder sentencer, body, go along exercise duty"); White 532 1207, 1220 (Miss.1988) ("As scope limited. inferences therefrom verdict. disturb short taken verdict, rational trier doubt"); Williams 445 798, 811 (Miss.1984) (review involves "nothing familiar test acquittal notwithstanding jury"), 469 1117, 803, 83 795 (1985).16 earlier, cruel." whenever solely disproportionate offense.17 These fulfill function. show, heavy measure deference. lacks institutional competence matter. Yet body convened, strongly encourages adopt, instead, radically different conception 50 Like too, tribunals respectively functions. explaining requirement appeals defer district clearly erroneous, "only aware variations tone voice bear heavily listener's understanding said." Anderson Bessemer City, 564, 575, 1504, 1512, 518 (1985).18 Rules, course, stature; mimic system allocation responsibilities between But, heightened imposed,19 inexplicable willingness countenance resolution factual deemed insufficiently adjudication civil lawsuit. variety contexts, moreover, attached individual's presenting directly finder Rock Arkansas, 483 44, 51, 8, 107 2704, 2709, (1987), "there [is] longer heard, essential adversary adjudication, [can] vindicated affording opportunity testify factfinder." Confrontation serves afford criminal privilege "of compelling [the witness] stand look him, manner gives worthy belief." Mattox United 156 237, 242-243, 337, 339-340, L.Ed. 409 (1895). Outside context, termination benefits Aid Families Dependent Children program preceded "[p]articularly veracity issue, submissions wholly unsatisfactory decision." Goldberg Kelly, 397 254, 269, 90 1011, 1021, 287 (1970). Morrissey Brewer, 408 471, 489, 92 2593, 2604, 484 (1972) (when parole revoked, parolee "opportunity heard person"). concerns become pressing imposed.20 52 diminished factfinder. think that. ill suited deficiencies factfinder, costs erroneous high, nature peculiarly conveyed medium (1985), ill-suited Whatever intangibles gleaned inability confront individuality particularly devastating termed '[those] 54 compassionate stemming diverse frailties humankind.' Woodson [v. North Carolina, 280, 304, 2978, 2991, 944 ]. [citing [102 1] 586 [98 973] ], envisioned occur sentencers hear witnesses." 2640-2641.21 55 remorse constituted verge surrealistic protected transcript testimony. More known himself, event. adequate defendant—a recognizes "need treating degree uniqueness individual," 605, 2965, opinion)—surely confronts flesh. realized submitted pronounced decisionmaker renders judgment. bloodless alternative conveniently streamline cost intolerable. 56 By settled qualitatively different" 305, "this qualitative difference penalties calls imposed," jurisprudence reflects requirements run prosecutions inadequate stake. Against backdrop, extraordinary eagerness approve shown inclination adopt,22 appears analogue areas flies warnings courts.23 consolation, lies decline invitation proffers today. majority, it, abdicated responsibility enforce norms. failure, absolve duty procedural rules manner. Despite decision, still "[t]here cuts execution chamber." Pinkton 481 306, 310 (Miss.1985). follows: "Consider elements, any, aggravation imposed: offense App. 25. 99-19-101(5)(h) "[a]ggravating shall following: (h) Code 99-19-101(3)(c) (Supp.1989) "[f]or unanimously enumerated subsection (6), rationale respondent Brief Respondent, O.T.1982, 81-89, pp. 37-38, dissenters 985-986, 3443-3444, implicitly refusing address them. Along lines, Solem Helm, 277, 3001, 637 capable comparing propriety easiest comparison, noncapital punishments, punishments kind degree." 294, 3012 omitted). unpersuasive Johnson 511 1333 rev'd, 578, 1981, 575 547 depended present, violent cruel. permitted inadmissible vacating "plainly justified" "extended mere otherwise admissible" "to [was] revealed materially inaccurate." 590, Given unreasonable conduct inquiry Johnson. serious led introduction admissible phases All already aired arbitrarily. say rendered nowhere expressly communicated unconstitutional, occurred, inquire articulated curing error; necessary. earlier Washington 361 61, 916, 2016, 60 388 (1979): 'In confusing misunderstood citizen. citizen knowledge generally accepted words.' 648. Jones 517 1295, 1301 (1987) ("This required, appearing defining 'heinous, cruel.' definition"), remanded, 487 1230, 2891, 101 925 (1988); Jordan 475, 478 476 1101, 1942, 352 (1986); Booker 209, 220-221 1023, 3493, 626 (1985); 849 Edwards 84, Tokman 435 664, 669-670 1256, 3547, Mhoon grounds dictum: "Absent mandate met." 85. indicated instruction. lived, however. 339, 353-354, 479 906, 93 278 given. condemned efforts lower define 'reasonable doubt' 'malice.' stated, experience. reasoning logic applies [to cruel']"). Evans 422 737 461 2111, 314 defense: 'The instructs Jury include felonies victim. you quick unnecessary pain torture, then, murder, 745. "under judice statute, instruction] restrictive constitute Georgia." 'the term "heinous" wicked shockingly evil; "atrocious" outrageously vile; "cruel" pitiless, designed inflict high pain, utter indifference to, enjoyment of, sufferings others.' 822 1477, 1488 (CA10 1987). Since apparently 59, (1989); Pinkney 538 329, 355 216 (photographs gunshot victims probative circumstance; "could just easily knocked Mr. Martin spared life, chose him"). 16, 1767, (1980) ("[I]t rifle weapon, resulting gruesome spectacle mother-in-law's trailer. circumstance] scenes totally irrational") 359. ("The citizens demonstrably aggregate, ignored layman's intuitive notion narrow guide rationally discretion") (Robertson, concurring). 1317 1210, 2858, 895 supra; 846 Gilliard 576, 867, 40, 179 416 443 806 rev'd grounds, 92; 814; 743. 1337 ("These closely [Jones ]"); 354 Edwards"); ("[T]he depicts "). 196 1109, 1958, 366 "The word 'murder' embraces cruelty, brutality intent harm: death. redundant cruel, malicious." 217. pages later, 219, offered analysis, opinions Booker, Caldwell, Irving. am unconvinced principle "meaningful consistency." 749. consistency: ensuring uniform goal equally rigorous reliability: value "two heads one"; spot except, possibly, rare grants certiorari. recognition section us, 1361 (1979). (Miss.1983); Bullock 525 764 (Miss.1987) (on (1986)). nine believed favor disposition imprisonment. decided [1980], contemplated lethal force." 770. bears force used—not killed Boyd Boyd, 252 N.Y. 422, 429, 169 N.E. 632, 634 (1930) ("Face living original holds advantage excluded. doubtful observation often proves accurate ascertaining truth. How wrong? sophistication sagacity confides appraisal. His opportunity, decide"). Oregon Medical Society, 343 326, 72 690, 698, 978 (1952) ); Witt, 412, 434, 844, 841 (1985) (same); Marshall Lonberger, 459 843, 851, 74 646 (same). California Ramos, 992, 998-999, 3446, 3451-3452, 1171 Justices, correspondingly scrutiny determination"). essentially reasons, inappropriate determine, fits end. remain balancing (such personal characteristics wickedness generally) fall definition. includes single, perfunctory reference citing bland "appellate instance." 754. reconcile Caldwell's One Court; 60. know 61. Johnson, Johnson's exposed ante, 759, distinctions error: deeply tainted assurance taint eliminated. (without evidence) affected number originally submitted. troubled sometimes applicable invalid. principles sentencing. Unlike reweighing, undertaking Blystone 299, 1078, 255 (1990), operating appeal, improper doubt. truly Harmless-error problematic (if impossible) mitigation. notes, 753-754, prosecutor's makes informed construction." Though die instantaneously, suffering; suffer; triggerman. prosecutor suffered stressed victim's youth industriousness—characteristics Record 1192-1193. (In closing argument, admonition Numbers 35:9-34 murderer put death." 1196-1198.)

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