Opinion ID: 1912613
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 27

Heading: Questions of Law and Fact

Text: This challenge to the constitutionality of electrocution as a method of execution presents a mixed question of law and fact. In constitutional challenges presenting mixed questions of law and fact, we normally review the district court's findings of fact for clear error. [181] Here, however, the constitutional implications involved in any death penalty case require us to independently and scrupulously examine the entire record. In challenges to the constitutionality of a method of execution, we determine whether the trial court's conclusions are supported by substantial evidence. [182] On questions of law, we resolve issues independently of the determination reached by, the court below. [183] Whether a method of inflicting the death penalty inherently imposes a significant risk of causing pain in an execution is a question of fact. [184] The ultimate issue, whether electrocution violates the constitutional prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, presents a question of law. [185]