Opinion ID: 1182062
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Challenge for Cause of Prospective Juror Fries

Text: (15) Contrary to defendant's argument, the trial court properly sustained a prosecution challenge for cause to prospective juror Fries. A juror is not qualified to serve in a capital case if his or her views about the death penalty would `prevent or substantially impair the performance of his duties as a juror in accordance with his instructions and his oath.' ( Wainwright v. Witt (1985) 469 U.S. 412, 424 [83 L.Ed.2d 841, 105 S.Ct. 844].) At the outset, Fries announced that his aversion to the death penalty was so strong he could never vote for it. On further questioning, he acknowledged the prospect he might vote for death if the crime were really horrid such as the murder of many children, but steadfastly maintained that, regardless of the facts, he could not vote for death in a case of robbery and first degree murder. The trial judge was in the best position to assess the depth and sincerity of Fries's expressed convictions and their likely impact on him as a decision maker. ( People v. Ghent (1987) 43 Cal.3d 739, 767 [239 Cal. Rptr. 82, 739 P.2d 1250].) The record more than amply supports the court's conclusion that Fries's personal beliefs would either prevent or substantially impair his ability to follow the law in arriving at a verdict in this case.