Opinion ID: 2481410
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Supreme Court's Duty to Conduct Independent Review of Death Sentence

Text: We find no basis for reversal of defendant's sentence in the issues he has raised before this court. However, [w]hen requested to do so, this court reviews the evidence in a capital sentencing hearing to determine whether death is the appropriate penalty, even in the absence of trial error. People v. Thompson, 222 Ill.2d 1, 36, 304 Ill.Dec. 589, 853 N.E.2d 378 (2006). If we find that the sentence of death is fundamentally unjust, given the facts of the particular case, we may overturn the sentence and order the imposition of imprisonment. 720 ILCS 5/9-1(i) (West 2008). After careful consideration of the evidence adduced, we find no fundamental injustice in this case and concur in the jury's determination that death is the appropriate penalty.