Opinion ID: 1712255
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Arbitrary Factors in Sentencing Proceeding

Text: In assignments of error Numbers 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28, defendant claims his death sentence is the product of an array of arbitrary factors erroneously interjected into the sentencing proceeding. More specifically, he contends the trial court conducted a defective guilty plea colloquy during his 1987 armed robbery conviction; thus, evidence of that armed robbery should not have been admissible during the penalty phase of the trial. He also contends that during the penalty phase closing argument, the State commented directly on defendant's failure to testify, and that a $10 dime bag of marijuana was erroneously admitted into evidence without proper foundation for its admission. Finally, defendant contends statements made by defense counsel during voir dire and opening statements in the penalty phase effectively diminished the jurors' sense of responsibility for imposing a death sentence. According to defendant, these errors, alone and cumulatively, undermine the fairness of the sentencing proceeding and the reliability of the jury's verdict, requiring that defendant receive a new sentencing hearing. We will address each of the alleged errors in turn.