Document: 494 U.S. 299 110 S.Ct. 1078 108 L.Ed.2d 255 Scott Wayne BLYSTONE, Petitionerv.PENNSYLVANIA. No. 88-6222. Argued Oct. 10, 1989. Decided Feb. 28, 1990. Syllabus After convicting petitioner of robbery, first-degree murder, and related crimes, a Pennsylvania jury—having found as an aggravating circumstance that committed killing while in the perpetration felony having no mitigating circumstances existed—sentenced him to death. The State Supreme Court affirmed, rejecting petitioner's argument State's death penalty statute—which requires sentence if jury unanimously finds at least one or more outweigh any ones—is unconstitutional because it mandates based on outcome weighing process. Held: statute, under it, comport with this Court's decisions interpreting Eighth Amendment. statute satisfies requirement capital sentencing be allowed consider give effect all relevant evidence since does not unduly limit types may considered. Nor is impermissibly mandatory. Death automatically imposed upon conviction for certain but only after determination ones present particular crime by defendant, there are such circumstances. This sufficient Lockett v. Ohio, 438 586, 98 2954, 57 973, Penry Lynaugh, 492 302, 109 2934, 106 256. Woodson North Carolina, 428 280, 96 2978, 49 944, Roberts Louisiana, 325, 3001, 974, distinguished. Petitioner's mandatory feature his instructions precluded from considering whether severity warranted rejected. presence serves purpose limiting class death-eligible defendants, Amendment require further refined weighed jury. Also rejected aspect instructions—where additionally stated was consider, inter alia, affected "extreme" mental emotional disturbance, he "substantially" impaired appreciating conduct, acted duress—foreclosed jury's consideration lesser degrees impairment, duress. judge clearly these were merely items could also entitled "any other matter concerning character record offense," instruction fully complies requirements Lockett, supra, Penry, supra. That States have enacted different forms statutes which satisfy constitutional casts doubt Pennsylvania's choice, within limits defined cases, enjoy their traditional latitude prescribe method punishment those who commit murder. Pp. 303-309. 519 Pa. 450, 549 A.2d 81, affirmed. REHNQUIST, C.J., delivered opinion Court, WHITE, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, JJ., joined. BRENNAN, J., filed dissenting opinion, MARSHALL, joined, Part IV BLACKMUN STEVENS, post, p. 309. Paul R. Gettleman, Zelienople, Pa., petitioner. Ernest D. Preate, Jr., Harrisburg, respondent. Chief Justice REHNQUIST Court. 1 A sentenced Blystone finding guilty robbing murdering hitchhiker unlucky enough accepted ride car. Petitioner challenges ground impose if, case, We hold our United Constitution. 2 On September night 1983, Dalton Charles Smithburger, individual characterized trial possessing learning disability, attempting hitch along road. Petitioner, driving auto carrying girlfriend another couple, observed Smithburger announced: "I am going pick guy up rob him, okay . .?" His friends acquiesced idea. Once had car, asked money gas. responded few dollars began searching pocket money. Dissatisfied, pulled out revolver, held Smithburger's head, demanded close eyes put hands dash. then off road ordered car into nearby field. victim gunpoint recovering $13, told lie face down He later said friend: " 'He [Smithburger] so scared. When I body shaking.' 490, 100 (1988). 3 move, crept back tell companions kill Smithburger. returned field where, paralyzed fright, remained ground. what kind been in. wrong answer—he accurately described green wrecked end. 'goodbye' discharged six bullets head. During subsequent conversation friend, recorded concealed device "bragging vivid grisly detail lad." Id., 457, A.2d, 84. In response query during dreamed about, felt anything from, stated: 'We laugh about it. [I]t gives you realization can do You walk blow somebody's brains know get away It feeling power, self-confidence. .' 489-490, 100. 4 charged convicted criminal conspiracy homicide, robbery. same "committed felony." 42 Pa.Cons.Stat. § 9711(d)(6) existed, accordingly pursuant provides "[t]he verdict must circumstances." 9711(c)(1)(iv). direct appeal Pennsylvania, argued mandated court summarily argument, see 473, 92, noting expressly refuted its decision Commonwealth Peterkin, 511 299, 326-328, 513 373, 387-388 (1986), cert. denied, 479 1070, 107 962, 93 1010 (1987). reasoned properly accommodated concerns Furman Georgia, 408 238, 92 2726, 33 346 (1972), discretion channeled avoid arbitrary capricious sentencing, 973 (1978), evidence. 387-388. granted certiorari, 489 1096, 1567, 103 934 (1989), decide renders improperly limited deciding appropriate crime. now affirm. 5 constitutionality some "mandatory" aspects novel issue Jurek Texas, 262, 2950, 929 (1976), we upheld requiring imposition made findings against defendant beyond initial See id., 278, S.Ct., 2959 (WHITE, concurring judgment). majority believed Texas scheme cured defect identified Furman—namely, unguided juries imposing inconsistent random manner defendants. Furman, U.S., 309-310, 2762-2763 (Stewart, concurring). Thus, suitably directing "so minimize risk wholly action," Gregg 153, 189, 2909, 2932, 859 (1976) (opinion Stewart, Powell, JJ.), pass muster. Jurek, 276, 2958.1 6 thought significant "A basis why should imposed, imposed." 271, 2956 JJ.). day decided, struck two schemes largely they murders, without allowing "particularized each before death." 303, 2990, 944 (plurality opinion); 333-334, 3006-3007, 974 604, 2964 opinion) ("The invalid permitted facets offender offense") (emphasis original; quotation omitted). 7 provided guidance nature "relevant" circumstances, concluding sentencer "as factor, defendant's offense proffers less than Ibid. footnote Last Term, elaborated principle, holding "the able background crime." 328, 256 (1989). 8 think Section 9711 considered, subsection (e) nonexclusive list factors taken account—including "catchall" category providing "[a]ny mitigation offense." 9711(e)(8) (1988).2 term understood Roberts. Penry.3 9 applied case. challenge essentially consists claim proceeding rendered "unreliable" reasons. Woodson, 305, 2991 (there "need reliability specific case") opinion). First, asserts instructions—derived, course, statute—precluded evaluating weight Second, contends unconstitutionally unenumerated address arguments turn. 10 At case—that No found.4 situation violates individualized sentence. reject argument. EighthAmend ment Lowenfield Phelps, 484 231, 244, 546, 554, 568 (1988) use 'aggravating circumstances' end itself, means genuinely narrowing persons thereby channeling discretion"). cases satisfied evidence.5 case specifically instructed evidence, "matter App. 12-13. dictates 11 Next, maintains foreclosed gave examples contained 9711(e). Among these, argues bears scant relation event clear complied Penry. 12 Three Terms ago, McCleskey Kemp, 481 279, 1756, 95 262 (1987), summarized teachings jurisprudence: 13 "In sum, constitutionally permissible range penalty. required threshold below cannot imposed. context, establish rational criteria narrow decisionmaker's judgment meet threshold. Moreover, societal consensus disproportionate prevents offense. sentencer's cause decline respect, channel discretion, allow information offered defendant." 305-306, 1774. 14 requirements. fact choice. Within murder shall punished. 15 Affirmed. 16 whom MARSHALL joins, STEVENS join except IV, dissenting. 17 hallmark jurisprudence "penalty qualitatively imprisonment," 2991, opinion), unless makes defendant. has repeatedly invoked principle invalidate even most egregious crimes. Sumner Shuman, 483 66, 85, 2716, 2727, 97 56 (1987) (murder inmate serving life sentence); 431 633, 637, 1993, 1995, 52 637 (1977) police officer); 333, 3006, (all murders); supra (same). Today, first time, upholds containing provision legislature rather ultimate set Such deprives type hearing respectfully dissent. 18 * separate determines warranted. 9711(a) considers listed statute.1 addition, specificenu merated prove existence reasonable doubt, preponderance 9711(c)(1)(iii). specified (d) circumstance." 9711(c)(1)(iv) added).2 therefore once circumstances; circumstance, justifies extreme sanction available society. 19 illustrates statute. $13 9711(d)(6). But presented none. 19. situation, make justified. "an your duty return added); ("Your find circumstances") added).3 20 prosecutor emphasized juror sworn oath follow law that, penalty: 21 "Under law, last week when questioned not, replied could. Each would whatever was, it." 23 added). 22 Indeed, already proved circumstance. "Our doesn't permit feel be, times touched felony. proven determine Courtroom penalty." 22-24. 24 Hence, both failed factors, determined II 25 dispute description application Rather, holds evidence." Ante, 306-307. cites support extraordinary conclusion surprise; careful analysis compels choosing A. 26 Legislature's delineation represents effort comply command "[b]ecause uniqueness penalty, [may] procedures creat[e] substantial [will] inflicted manner." 188, (joint JJ.) (citing (1972)). vesting unbridled resulted system objective way distinguish between defendants received did not. concurring) (death sentences "cruel unusual being lightning cruel [T]he petitioners among capriciously selected handful imposed"); 313, 2764 ("[T]here meaningful distinguishing [death] many not"). Gregg, however, adequately "guides" determining punishment. 195, 2935 JJ.); 222, 2947 "genuinely eligible reasonably justify severe compared others murder." Zant Stephens, 462 862, 877, 2733, 2742, 77 235 (1983). guilt stage defining narrowly, (1988); 270, 2955, "aggravating factors" objectively murders. Godfrey 446 420, 428-429, 1759, 1764-1765, 64 398 (1980) 27 recognized imposes ability "guide" discretion. three "guided" sentence,4 invalidated statutes. (1976); (1976). plurality removal sentencer, consistency obtained take account 304, 2991. Eddings Oklahoma, 455 104, 112, 102 869, 875, 71 (1982) ("By rule recognizes produced ignoring differences false consistency"). treats "all designated uniquely human beings, members faceless, undifferentiated mass subjected blind infliction "fundamental respect humanity underlying indispensable part process inflicting (citation Sumner, 2727; Roberts, 1995. 28 progeny distinguishable allows effective smaller Carolina Woodson. Nevertheless, same: substitutes legislative individual.5 B 29 unconcerned determination. derived recognition reflect moral actions light background. See, e.g., 319 (1989) 2947, 256; California Brown, 538, 545, 837, 841, (O'CONNOR, Just free weigh independently culpability, 319, depends seriousness crime—a culpability. conduct significance factors. "[I]n difficult, deserves Turner Murray, 476 34, 1683, 1687, 90 (1986) J.) Zant, 879, 2743 ("What important selection crime") original).6 30 (1988), need Lowenfield, Louisiana factor duplicated element 554. sole question addressed sufficiently narrowed As notes today, ante, 307, discretion." Nothing suggests preclude strength factor.7 fails recognize, much "channel" discretion: absence 31 never mandate murderers. Instead, legislature's role definition indeed cannot, every possible pattern technically will fall crimes general level; embody 78, 2724 (legislative "provide adequate stark example flaw. permits course variety murders fit Since interpreted include nonviolent felonies, Holcomb, 508 425, 498 833 (1985), covers very wide cases. jury, likely draw inference culpability defendant—and propriety sentence—if rape (as here) today death.8 32 flies reasoning prisoner term. Although acknowledged power serious conclude justified 78-81, 2724-2725. explained: "Past convictions offenses considered valid inferences drawn inmate's vary depending past surrounding widely well. Without predicate life-term commission offense, label 'life-term inmate' reveals little character. Even primary force incident, nontriggerman ., Yet given weight." 2725 (footnote 34 dismisses inapposite 306, n. 4. discussion quoted above relates define precedes fact, went state "[n]ot [do prior convictions] serve incomplete indicators record, say nothing [mitigating circumstances]." 81-82, 2725-2726. prevented C 35 suggestion, supports fundamental misunderstanding claim.9 contain language, deprive five classified 2955. stage, answers following questions affirmatively: "(1) caused deliberately expectation deceased result; (2) probability acts violence constitute continuing threat society." 269, 2955.10 These facts supporting legislatively focusing deliberateness future dangerousness, compel directs decided warrant 36 language independent judgment. exists ends decisionmaking generally relating either offense,11 status victim,12 record.13 disputed. Finding entail act actor, opportunity believes warrants penalty.14 Because constitutional. III 37 refusal recognize "mandatory aspect" contrary reason. Rather merits claim, concludes "satisfied" evidence.15 requirement, demand hearing. "weight" just unarticulated assumption group situations marked departure previous failure provide well grounded always disturbing. An unexplained principles context inexcusable. 38 believe sentence, vacate adhere my belief 227, 2950 (BRENNAN, dissenting). Only Members relied reason passed muster Furman. joined Burger, C.J. While Justices explicitly rely upholding certainly posed difficulties. 268-277, 2954-2959. construed 9711(e) falling outside catchall (e)(8). 470, 26, 833, 856, (1985) 475 1150, 1804, 349 (1986); Fahy, 512 298, 315-316, 516 689, 698 (1986). dissent states facial validity irrelevant "[w]e grant certiorari Lockett. Post, 316, 5. statement error. reads follows: "Whether facially full Pet. Cert. 2. germane question. receiving repeated warnings judge, advice counsel, proof proceedings. Asked explain responded: don't want anybody else brought 8. Nonetheless, making trial, including side phase 13. reliance misplaced. There mandating prison possibility parole violated Fourteenth Amendments. "[p]ast murder," 2725, involved 67-68, 1, 2718, 1. attempts undermine arguing fulfilled through special 320-323. ignores three-Justice concluded precisely courts 272, Powell ("Thus, turns enumerated particularized factors"). Nowhere implied still construction fireman, peace officer, public servant concerned official detention killed performance duties. "(2) paid person contracted pay conspired victim. "(3) ransom reward, shield hostage. "(4) occurred engaged hijacking aircraft. "(5) prosecution witness preventing testimony grand involving offenses. "(6) "(7) knowingly created grave addition "(8) torture. "(9) history person. "(10) Federal time issue, imprisonment imposable undergoing "(11) issue. "(12) voluntary manslaughter issue." 9711(d) provision. indicate choose attempt concept pressed mitigation, Legislature constitutes circumstances" proceeded statutory 16. circumstance—"any offense"—the said, "[t]his pretty broad great might 17. did, emphasize ("[I]f greater simply exceed weight, mitigat[ion]"). However, affirmative stressed "should something Proffitt Florida, 242, 2960, 913 For reason, irrelevant. 305. presented. result unfettered condemned Georgia though complete 2741; 199, 2937 noted "specific standards balancing required." 876, 13, Allowing exercise violate provides: 'A and, recommends imposed.' 553 (quoting La.Code Crim.Proc.Ann., Art. 905.3 (West 1984)). lack factor. counterintuitive merit. preposterous assume fact—e.g., robbery—is simultaneously least, understand instruction. Different interpretations Jurek. Compare 2945, 354-358, 2965-2968 (SCALIA, part); Franklin 487 164, 180, 2320, 2330-2331, 101 155 until agreed joint murderers subject broadly 272-273, 2956-2957 STEVENS). Term interpretation 2945. curious, therefore, relies WHITE's concurrence Burger 2959. depended view deprived 358, 3017, BLACKMUN, dissenting) ("[S]urely forbidden conclusively establishes criminal's death"); 2992 BURGER, reasoning, reading third applies raised evidence: 'whether unreasonable provocation, any, deceased.' 2954. §§ 9711(d)(2), (4), (6), (7), (8) 9711(d)(1), (3), (5). 9711(d)(9)-(12). facts. example, harm others, torture, violence. 9711(7), (8), (9). arguable unlike where proffered, distressingly casual. long necessary—not sufficient—condition right stringently protected. 2947; Mills Maryland, 486 367, 377, 1860, 1867, 384 Hitchcock Dugger, 393, 399, 1821, 1824, 347 (1987); Skipper South 8, 1669, 1673, 116, (1982); 605, 2965.

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