Opinion ID: 2621432
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 23

Heading: Penalty Phase Review

Text: ś 156 Following Gregory's conviction of aggravated first degree murder, the case proceeded to the penalty phase of the trial. We review assignments of error in the guilt phase of a capital case according to the same standards of review applicable in noncapital cases, but claims of error at the sentencing phase are given more searching scrutiny because the death penalty is qualitatively different from all other punishments. State v. Benn, 120 Wash.2d 631, 648, 845 P.2d 289, cert. denied, 510 U.S. 944, 114 S.Ct. 382, 126 L.Ed.2d 331 (1993). Procedural rules regarding arguments raised for the first time on appeal are also construed more liberally in the sentencing phase. Lord, 117 Wash.2d at 849, 822 P.2d 177.