Opinion ID: 2382089
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Veniremember Collins

Text: Veniremember Collins expressed her views on the death penalty before either counsel questioned the panel on the subject. The court asked of the panel, Is there anybody that has a problem that would not permit them to do that week of service? Collins responded: A: Yes, I feel I am not in a position to stand in judgment of any man. Q: Is it for religious reasons? A: Yes. Q: Counsel, do you want to accept the strike? Defense counsel requested the chance to be able to inquire further. The court granted the request. Then the prosecutor asked Collins a variation of the standard question discussed above, if her position was no matter how horrible a crime was, [she knew] for a fact that [she] could never consider imposing the death penalty on another person? Collins answered affirmatively. The trial court did not abuse its discretion by sustaining the State's challenge for cause against Collins.