Document: 520 U.S. 518117 S.Ct. 1517137 L.Ed.2d 771 Cary Michael LAMBRIX, Petitioner,v.Harry K. SINGLETARY, Jr., Secretary, Florida Department of Corrections. No. 96-5658. Supreme Court the United States Argued Jan. 15, 1997. Decided May 12, Syllabus * In sentencing phase trial at which petitioner Lambrix was convicted on two counts first-degree murder, state-court jury rendered an advisory verdict recommending death sentences both counts. Finding numerous aggravating circumstances in connection with murders, and no mitigating as to either, court sentenced After his conviction sentence were upheld direct collateral review by courts, he filed a habeas petition Federal District Court, rejected all claims. While appeal pending before Eleventh Circuit, this decided Espinosa v. Florida, 505 1079, 112 2926, 120 854, that if judge "weighing'' State (i.e., such requires specified be weighed against any capital trial's phase) is required give deference jury's recommendation, then neither nor constitutionally permitted weigh invalid circumstances. Since one Lambrix's claims improperly instructed "especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel'' aggravator, had obvious relevance petition. The Circuit held its proceedings abeyance permit present claim without considering merits ground procedurally barred. Without even acknowledging procedural bar, denied relief, ruling announced "new rule'' cannot applied retroactively federal under Teague Lane, 489 288, 109 1060, 103 334. Held: 1.Although question whether should resolve bar has not previously been presented, Court's opinions-most particularly, Coleman Thompson, 501 722, 111 2546, 115 640-suggest issue ordinarily considered first. nonetheless chooses case ground. asserts several reasons why does apply, validity more appropriately determined lower are familiar practices they sit. Rather than prolong litigation remand, proceeds decide presented. Pp. ____-____. 2.A prisoner whose became final foreclosed from relying decision proceeding. (a) To apply Teague, must: (1) determine date defendant's final; (2) survey legal landscape it existed state would have felt compelled existing precedent conclude rule defendant seeks required; (3) not, consider relief sought falls within narrow exceptions nonretroactivity. (b) A shows dictated then-existing precedent, but defined Teague. It significant Espinosa, supra, 1082, S.Ct., 2928-2929, cited only single support central conclusion, Baldwin Alabama, 472 372, 382, 105 2727, 2733, 86 300, introduced lone citation "cf.''-an introductory signal indicating authority supports point dictum analogy. states, page cites, U.S., -like argument "conceivably might merit'' case. decisions relied most heavily Lambrix-Godfrey Georgia, 446 420, 100 1759, 64 398; Maynard Cartwright, 486 356, 108 1853, 372; Clemons Mississippi, 494 738, 110 1441, 725-do dictate result ultimately reached Espinosa. Rather, close examination death-penalty scheme, light cases Proffitt 428 242, 253, 96 2960, 2967, 49 913 (joint opinion); id., 260-261, 2970-2971 (White, J., concurring judgment); Spaziano 468 447, 451, 466, 104 3154, 3157, 3165-3166, 82 340, indicates reasonable jurist matter time could different That conclusion confirmed Walton Arizona, 497 639, 653-654, 3047, 3057-3058, 511. fact handed down per curiam oral insignificant, since followed just three weeks Sochor 504 527, 2114, 119 326, identical fully briefed argued, for jurisdictional reasons. (c)— Espinosa's new fall either nonretroactivity doctrine. first exception plainly application, decriminalizes class conduct prohibits imposition punishment particular persons. E.g., Saffle Parks, 484, 494-495, 1257, 1263-1264, 415. contend second exception- watershed rules criminal procedure implicating proceeding's fundamental fairness accuracy-applies errors, Sawyer Smith, 227, 241-244, 2822, 2830-2833, 193, makes clear not. 72 F.3d 1500, affirmed. SCALIA, delivered opinion REHNQUIST, C.J., KENNEDY, SOUTER, THOMAS, JJ., joined. STEVENS, dissenting opinion, GINSBURG BREYER, O'CONNOR, opinion. Matthew C. Lawry, Philadelphia, PA, appointed petitioner. Carol M. Dittmar, Tampa, FL, respondent. Justice SCALIA Court. 1 We granted certiorari our 854 (1992), corpus proceeding because 334 (1989). 2 On February 5, 1983, girlfriend, Francis met Clarence Moore Aleisha Bryant local tavern. couples returned trailer dinner, where killed brutal fashion. murder. trial, court, after finding five murder Moore, four Bryant, State, So.2d 1143 (Fla.1986). 3 courts repeated efforts obtain Dugger, 529 1110 (Fla.1988); 534 1151 559 1137 (Fla.1990), writ pursuant 28 U.S.C. §2254 Southern Florida; Appeals trial) (HAC) address instance, however, courts. 4 Singletary, 641 847 (Fla.1994). explained although properly preserved objection requesting limiting instruction HAC failed raise appeal. So.2d, 848. also excused appellate counsel ineffective failing forfeited issue, explaining itself barred was, event, meritless. Id., 848-849. 5 entered judgment Lambrix, adjudicated bar-which expressly raised argued State-the proceeded claim, 1503 (1996). certiorari. 519 ----, 117 380, 136 298 II 6 Before turning presented case, we pause State's contention vague aggravator According "has consistently must objected pursued order reviewed postconviction proceedings.'' Brief Respondent 30, citing Chandler 634 1066, 1069 (Fla.1994), Jackson 633 1051, 1055 (Fla.1993), Henderson 617 313 (Fla.), cert. denied, 507 1047, 113 1891, 123 (1993). 7 729, 2553, 640 (1991), reaffirmed "will law rests independent adequate judgment.'' See Harris Reed, 255, 262, 1038, 1042-1043, 308 lack jurisdiction independently supported judgments appeal: state-law determination sufficient sustain decree, purely advisory. Herb Pitcairn, 324 117, 125-126, 65 459, 462-464, 89 L.Ed. 789 (1945); see 533-534, n. *, 2119-2120, 326 (1992). "independent ground'' doctrine technically when considers prisoner's §2254, formally reviewing judgment, determining "in custody violation Constitution laws treaties States.'' applies consideration defaulted law. Coleman, 729-730, 750, 2553-2554, 2564-2565; Wainwright Sykes, 433 72, 81, 82, 97 2497, 2503-2504, 2504, 53 594 (1977), discussing Brown Allen, 344 443, 486-487, 73 397, 422-423, 469 (1953), Ex parte Spencer, 228 652, 33 709, 57 1010 (1913); Harris, 1042-1043. 8 Application based upon equitable considerations federalism comity. "ensures States' interest correcting their own mistakes respected cases.'' 732, 2555. " [A] who meet requirements presenting deprived opportunity those instance.'' Ibid. If applied, district appeals able unable review. 730-731, 2554-2555. 9 never occasion petitioner's Our opinions, however-most -certainly suggest procedural-bar speculated may resolved opinions stated retroactivity made "threshold matter.'' Penry Lynaugh, 492 302, 329, 2934, 2952, 106 256 (1989); Caspari Bohlen, 510 383, 389, 114 948, 952-953, 127 236 (1994). simply means, addressed "before [a] claim.'' 953. mean inquiry antecedent general prerequisites unrelated claim-such requirement custody,'' §2254(a), Constitutional issues generally avoided, cursory new-rule reveals (including discussion Part IV, infra) detailed analysis constitutional See, e.g., 233-241, 2826-2831, 193 (1990); Penry, 316-319, 2945-2947; Gilmore Taylor, 508 333, 339-344, 2112, 2116-2119, 124 306 (1993); 488-494, 1260-1263, 415 (1990). 10 somewhat puzzled having while brought did so much mention Appeals, going far reiterate postjudgment Motion Clarification and/or Modification Opinion reprinted App. 176. vital importance orderly administration courts; permits them readily evaded, undermines justice system. do invariably first; be. Judicial economy giving priority, example, easily resolvable petitioner, whereas involved complicated Cf. §2254(b)(2) (permitting deny notwithstanding applicant's failure exhaust remedies). 11 Despite puzzlement Appeals' basis hesitate ourselves. barred, seem us insubstantial so; repeatedly recognized, regularly sit, see, Rummel Estelle, 445 263, 267, 7, 1133, 1135, 63 382 (1980); County Ulster Cty. 442 140, 153-154, 99 2213, 2222-2223, 60 777 (1979). proceed grounds used. III 12 employs three-stage procedure. First, weighs statutorily circumstances, renders "advisory sentence'' life imprisonment death. Fla.Stat. §921.141(2). Second, enters death; latter, findings set forth writing. §921.141(3). entitled "great weight'' court's determination, Tedder 322 908, 910 (Fla.1975), obligation appropriate punishment, Ross 386 1191, 1197 (Fla.1980). Third, automatically reviews §921.141(4). 13 jury, recommended each found Moore's Bryant's, including heinous atrocious''; murder; concluded outweighed mitigating, count. 20-21. Although concerning appeal, agreed 1143, 1148 (1986). 14 contends violated Eighth Amendment instructions circumstance provide guidance limit discretion. Like F.3d, 1503, assume, arguendo, so. further (and heart case) weighing cure error. Prior contended narrowed aggravator. established principle benefit principle; constitutes thus proceeding.1 15 that, general, will applicable become announced.'' 310, 1075. engages three-step process. determines final. 390, 953-954, ""[s]urve[y] existed,' Graham Collins, [506 461, 468, 892, 898, 122 260 (1993)], "determine [the defendant's] [he] Constitution,' 488 [110 1260, 415] (1990).'' Caspari, Finally, rule, 345, 2119, IV 16 November 24, 1986, filing expired. Thus, principal task date, later precedent-whether, is, unlawfulness apparent jurists. Graham, 506 477, 902-903; Butler McKellar, 407, 415, 1212, 1217-1218, 347 417-418, 1218-1219 (Brennan, dissenting). 17 important respect, co-sentencer judge. As explained: "Florida essentially split process two. Initially, turn circumstances.'' 2928. tainted gave indirectly aggravator) course reasoned indirect created same risk arbitrariness factor. Ibid.2 18 view, used relief. purport rely controlling precedent.3 300 (1985), "creates potential arbitrariness'' 2928-2929. And analogy, "controls'' "dictates'' result. 19 contains evidence rule. constitutionality Alabama's death-sentencing "fix death'' guilty aggravated offense, whereupon hearing imprisonment. 376, 2730. mandatory unconstitutional standing alone, Woodson North Carolina, 280, 288-305, 2978, 2983-2992, 944 (1976) (plurality opinion), impermissible sentence. reach Alabama formed part judge's calculus. 282, 2980-2981. noted, cited, "argument conceivably merit actually "sentence' recommendation believed appropriate, cf. 242 [96 913] (1976), obligated accord some it.'' Baldwin, 2733 (emphasis added); 386, 8, 2735, ("express[ing] view'' point). This highly tentative expression, showing "dictate[s]'' 235, 2827-2828, (1990), suggests opposite. Indeed, Chief Justice, scheme contemplate "sentence,'' constitutional. 392, 2738-2739 (opinion judgment). 20 Godfrey 398 372 (1988); 725 Godfrey, Georgia's "outrageously wantonly vile, horrible inhuman'' impermissibly vague, reasoning there nothing words inhuman,'' "that implies inherent restraint arbitrary capricious infliction sentence,'' these terms alone "gave guidance.'' 428-429, 1764-1765 opinion). Similarly, 1985 Stringer Black, 503 222, 1130, 367 Oklahoma's identically worded Florida's statute given instruction. 363-364, 1858-1859. 21 proposition aggravators sufficiently avoid penalty, cases, others, demonstrate instruct respect render unconstitutional. indicated can cured itself, less concerned about Georgia facially Had narrowing construction challenge Godfrey's sentence, construction. 431-432, 1766-1767. Likewise Maynard, stressed limited Oklahoma Criminal "to unfettered discretion jury.'' 364, 1859. 22 similar Stringer. sentencer's State. Clemons, unconstitutionally vague. "the prevent upholding reweighing harmless-error review.'' 741, 745, 1444, 1446-1447; Stringer, 230, 1136-1137. 23 principles above-described unlike Oklahoma, 360, 1857, satisfy Constitution. 255-256, 2968, Stewart, Powell, JJ.); 260, 2970 juries find 653, 3057, 511 (1990).4 persuades 1986 1992. There least different, related, approaches suggested outcome: 24 mere cabining unconstitutionality. resulted Gregg 153, 188, 2909, 2932, 859 "trial judges specific assist deciding impose penalty life'' consistency. Proffitt, 2967 White, joined J.). —(In incidentally, Wainwright, 685 F.2d 1227, 1264, (C.A.11 1982), 464 1002, 508, 78 697 (1983).) From what said would, en banc "sensibly follow proper cures occasioned circumstance.'' Glock 878, 886 1995), 616, 540 course, dissent contends, post, __-__, prior error sentencing-determining make difference, premise debatable: (as succeeding demonstrates) jury. 25 (2)— cure, sentencer. concluded, effect, along court. fairly traced earlier, "is constituent sentencer,''' implying well. 535-536, 2120-2121. characterization considerable tension pre-1986 view. 908 primarily relied, 249, 2965 JJ.) ("the actual judge'' added)); 251, 2966 (the [t]he Florida''); 252, rather jury''); distinguished opinion) added). Some eight years later, final, continued describe 340 (1984); Barclay 463 939, 952-954, 3418, 3426-3427, 77 1134 962, 3431 (STEVENS, —(Although now believes co-sentencer, JUSTICE STEVENS [is] Florida.'' Ibid.) unreasonable Spaziano, -that sentencer-and sentencer Maynard. precisely 1989, Smalley 546 720, 722 (Fla.1989); Bertolotti 883 1526-1527, 1032, 3296, 804 foresaw possibility holding: [Spaziano's] calls into merely "advisory' magnitude.'' 756 1502 1985). 26 mitigators interpreted statute-which provided sentencer, §921.141(3), §921.141(2)- requiring emphasized "independently aggravation mitigation,'' [u]nder combination th[e] [jury's] usurp role discretion.'' Eutzy 458 755, 759 (Fla.1984), 471 1045, 2062, 85 336 (1985). vacated "undue weight imposed.'' (1980) acknowledged conducts "its circumstances,'' [r]egardless regarding 3165 2966.5 Given precedents, think constitute sort "reweighing'' 237, 1140. fact, view Members inconsistent Amendment, Cabana Bullock, 474 400-401, 404, 689, 704-705, 706-707, 88 704 (1986) (Blackmun, dissenting, Brennan Marshall, 769-772, 1459-1461 Brennan, part), trial-court preferable. prompted note, "Clemons's holding, arguably points opposite direction 1990 precedent.'' 887 (en banc). 27 strongly particularly good proxy thought relevant interim holdings which, held, 1985, supra. Walton, Arizona's channel Summarizing propriety affirm applying definition,'' this, said, "w[as] crucial '' 3057. following weighing-state long Additionally, characterized follows: [E]ven fails improper construction, necessarily require vacate 738 725] existence eliminate factor altogether remaining warrant penalty.'' 3057 29 use disjunctive late 1990, fell irrespective reweighed factors.6 otherwise, indication facts crimes definitions aggravators. invalidated challenged definition 30 Most devoted making forceful interpretation law-perhaps one. But inquiry-which are, hope, usually law-requires that. asks precedent-i.e., other reasonable. plain above material like dissent, favors result) reasonably contrary holding every aware 722; F.2d, 1502; 1527; Sanchez-Velasco 570 916 500 929, 2045, 129 (1991). 31 argument. 896, banc) (Tjoflat, Whatever inference summary, disposition normally carry precluded peculiar surrounding summary Just issuance argued; ourselves point, preserve 2119-2120. face technical sense "unargued'' case: decided, vehicle resolving consuming additional resources. V 32 remains "The retroactive application places private beyond power proscribe, 311 [109 1075-1076], addresses "substantive categorical guarante[e] accorded "prohibiting certain category defendants status offense.''' 494, 1263 (quoting 330, 2953). Plainly, "neither decriminalize[s] prohibit[s] persons.'' 495, 1263-1264. ""watershed procedure' accuracy proceeding.'' 311, 1076). quite 34 *** 35 For stated, 36 Affirmed. 37 whom BREYER join, dissenting. 38 Two propositions (1992): define circumstance. ""great weight''' reasons, taints presumptively supporting well decided. dates back 1980 1764-1765, 398,1 1975 910.2 Thus I agree Judge Tjoflat amounted "nothing well-settled . declaring unconstitutional, initially [v. (1988)]. conclusion-that sentence-merely years.'' 896 1995) dissenting).3 39 Today reaches placing novel holding. majority apparently construes "automatically unconstitutional.'' Ante, __.4 1446-1447, (1990)-that aggravator- led road Espinosa.5 infected factor, entirely separate harmless level. subsequent 626 165, 167 (Fla.1993) (ruling and, alternatively, doubt), 1152, 2184, 128 903 (1994), affirmed create forbidding curing error, "if decides place actors one, actor 2929. logical consequence scheme. 40 sinuous, difficult argument, hypothetical somehow Tedder. posits discretion'' enough __-__ omitted). critical "cabining,'' recommend great recommendation. cabin's walls. walls remain hardly excuses removed wall represented At sentencing, recognized role, occurred remand resentencing, claimed unaffected example Messer 330 137, 142 (Fla.1976), remanded resentencing allow evidence. error: "checks balances input serves integral part.'' otherwise. There, safeguards procedures fixing focus adequacy scheme; accordingly, need extensively examine discuss relationship 41 ignoring Tedder, "no sentencer.'' __-__. true imposes receiving meant irrelevant. REHNQUIST noted imprisonment, unless suggesting [are] convincing virtually person differ.' (1975).'' 955-956, 3428, (1983) opinion).6 disturb "unless appear strong believe persons recommendation.'' LeDuc 365 149, 151 (Fla.1978), 444 885, 175, 62 vacuous argue references imply affect ultimate equally co-sentencer'' source "just earlier,'' ante, __ (citing (1992)). earlier element "because wholly Sochor, 533, 2119. 42 "weighing migrators aggravator.'' suggestion doubly flawed. reason deliberations.7 More importantly, definition, untainted law, resentenced regard Nor practical difference record differ,'' requires. 43 Here, again, finds statements resulting broad majority's confuses indicate way discounting defective. 44 logic plays Moreover, statistics summarized demonstrate, "erroneous between death.'' 551, 2129.8 45 respectfully dissent. 46 47 disagree instead instance. 48 holds practice, requests (1989), Usually, then, contentions favor. recognizes, addressing avoids unnecessary questions accords fitting rules, indispensable With agree. Of One excessively complicated, resolved. here let resolution inappropriate especially troublesome, priority claim. 50 Accordingly, issue. out, better suited evaluating matters we. my premature grounds. Nevertheless, question, wish express agreement STEVENS' syllabus prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Timber & Lumber Co., 200 321, 337, 287, 499 (1906). decline asked bars Pet. Cert. i. Rule 14.1(a). description preceding paragraph text loss explain dissent's impression "novel interpretation'' unconstitutional.''' Post, infra, __). phrase quoted wrenched (so violently word "not'' precedes omitted) Espinosa; indeed, entire previous paragraphs. maintains statement proven wrong (1980), (Fla.1975). __, 2. wordplay. called "controlling authority'' (that violates recommendation) among "givens'' derived, assuredly obviously intend: compel outcome They answer definitive question: creates weighing. says [g]iven judge] [HAC] deliberations.'' __. establish always "reason believe'' adequate: "Trial presumed know decisions. [state] circumstance, presume narrower definition.'' abandoning ordinary presumption overcome instruct. factual questionable: fail time. correct, unnecessary: say here) displayed ignorance Instead, passage above. accuses "simply done discuss, indeed mention, interpreting contradict view-cases emphasizing assessment relies, Riley 517 656 (1987), (a hence relevant). jurisprudence "Our many instances override upheld. Notwithstanding death, factors. challenge.'' Grossman 525 833, 840 (Fla.1988) added; citations "It prosecutor correctly Florida: advisory.'' 839. burden, Grossman, upon, accurate; determined, (current) reading correct. disagreed conviction. treating portion vindicated decisions, "endues prescience, reasonableness.'' 244, 1144, (1992) (SOUTER, stating confused precedents distinct permissible routes aggravator: adequately 1764-1765. "heinous, atrocious 359, 1856-1857, (1988), subsequently 228-229, 1135-1136, These precedents,'' mistaken "Espinosa isolated decision. (Fla.1987), put succinctly: "If rely, results procedure, procedure.'' 659. pre-Tedder process.'' 657 Lamadline 303 17, (Fla.1974)). Responding 2, states clause intended understanding so, reliance opaque, best. relies noting ""does factor.''' reverse Wasko 1314, 1318 (Fla.1987); Goodwin 405 170, 172 (Fla.1981); Odom 403 936, 942-943 (Fla.1981), 456 925, 102 1970, 440 (1982); Neary 384 881, 885-886 (Fla.1980); Malloy 1190, 1193 (Fla.1979). Nothing erroneous, present, speak themselves.'' 20. sentenc e imposed attached appendix brief, A1-A70, setting data 1991. 341 (73%), penalty; none lesser 91 (19%), sentence; overrode 69 overrides (77%), hearing. "Two conclusions evident. recommends almost certainly sustained occasionally, uphold therefore erroneous 552, 2129 (footnotes

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