Opinion ID: 808801
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Struck African American Jurors

Text: Ms. Fooster, after being asked several questions by the prosecution regarding her belief about the death penalty, stated: “You know, you’re asking me questions and I’m answering . . . But then sometimes you have to get to that point. So I’m—I’m not sure if I’m making a clear statement.” The prosecutor then asked, “In other words, it’s easy for us to ask these hypothetical questions now. But are you saying that it would be difficult if you reached that point, and you don’t know if your answer would be the same.” Fooster answered, “Yeah, that’s what I’m saying.” [Resp’t. Ex. 8 at 254] Ms. Fooster, however, was unequivocal in her belief that people could be rehabilitated and that mental health defenses should be considered if properly presented by the defendant. [Resp’t. Ex. 8 at 258]
2 Mr. Anderson was not selected as a juror, because he was struck by the defense. 10 Case: 11-14935 Date Filed: 09/19/2012 Page: 11 of 28 When the prosecutor asked Ms. Stokes if it would be difficult for her to impose the death penalty, she stated “I don’t know. I might have a problem with it, and I may not.” [Resp’t. Ex. 8 at 312] Ms. Stokes did state she had “mixed feelings” about mental health defenses but also promised to keep an “open mind” and consider all the evidence presented before making a decision. [Resp’t Ex. 8 at 326–27]
Mr. Fitzgerald stated that the death penalty was “not an easy thing for anybody to decide on. It’s just the law.” [Resp’t. Ex. 10 at 981] He also believed that people could be rehabilitated and that he would listen to any mental health defenses presented. [Resp’t. Ex. 10 at 983–84]