Opinion ID: 2599073
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Instruction on burden of proof/standard of proof for mitigating evidence

Text: Defendant contends the death penalty law is unconstitutional in that it fails to require the jury to be instructed on certain burdens and standards of proof as to aggravating and mitigating evidence. It is settled, however, that California's death penalty law is not unconstitutional for failing to impose a burden of proof  whether beyond a reasonable doubt or by a preponderance of the evidence  as to the existence of aggravating circumstances, the greater weight of aggravating circumstances over mitigating circumstances, or the appropriateness of a death sentence. ( Brown, supra, 33 Cal.4th at p. 401, 15 Cal.Rptr.3d 624, 93 P.3d 244; People v. Lenart (2004) 32 Cal.4th 1107, 1136, 12 Cal.Rptr.3d 592, 88 P.3d 498; People v. Hillhouse (2002) 27 Cal.4th 469, 510-511, 117 Cal.Rptr.2d 45, 40 P.3d 754; Fairbank, supra, 16 Cal.4th at p. 1255, 69 Cal.Rptr.2d 784, 947 P.2d 1321.)