Opinion ID: 1859418
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Discovery of Missing Mitigation Language Post-Trial.

Text: Defense counsel did not realize that the final two key paragraphs of MAI-CR3d 313.44A had been omitted until one of her experts pointed it out as she was preparing for the sentencing hearing almost a month after trial. She brought the error to the judge's attention in chambers, before sentencing. The prosecutor conceded that an error had been made, but argued defense counsel committed the error, not the court. Defense counsel accepted responsibility, urged the court not to penalize Mr. Deck for her error and argued that the only recourse was to give Mr. Deck a new penalty phase trial. The court rejected this motion, stating that counsel had an obligation to submit the instructions in proper form and had failed to show the omissions resulted in prejudice.