Opinion ID: 874884
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: Presentation of mitigation evidence

Text: Payne argues that his trial counsel was ineffective during the sentencing phase of his trial. Specifically, he alleges that his counsel should have (1) humanized him through the testimony of additional friends and family, (2) presented persuasive evidence as to the nature of his mental illness, (3) explained better the significance of Rh compatibility as it relates to his mental state, (4) had Payne undergo a functional MRI or PET scan to identify abnormalities, (5) presented more testimony that Payne did not present a future danger if incarcerated, (6) rebutted or undermined Dr. Estess's testimony, (7) demonstrated better the authenticity of his suicide to show his remorse, and (8) advised him to allocute. These arguments are nothing more than taking issue with his trial counsel's tactical and strategic choices. See Row, 131 Idaho at 313, 955 P.2d at 1092 (affirming dismissal of post-conviction petition alleging failure to adequately investigate and have defendant allocute, where the district court noted that counsel had conducted ordinary and reasonable discovery and the fact that counsel could have done more does not mean that they did not do enough. ). There is no indication in the record that any of these choices fell below a reasonable standard. Indeed, the record supports that trial counsel conducted a normal and reasonable investigation and presented evidence on each of these issues. The fact that they could have presented more evidence or more persuasive evidence does not mean that they gave Payne ineffective assistance.