Opinion ID: 2570148
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Discussion of Costs Associated with Punishment

Text: Several of the original declarations stated that during their deliberations, the jurors discussed the cost of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole versus the death penalty. In her amended declaration, Foreperson D.B. stated, The cost of life in prison [versus] the death penalty was brought up and again I reminded the jury that this topic was legally irrelevant and couldn't be considered. I reminded them of the jury instruction about this. The amended declarations of Jurors S.Y., C.B., L.M., J.G., and G.C. were in accord. [28] The court found that it was improper for the jurors to discuss the costs of punishment, but deemed the misconduct not prejudicial because the discussion was brief and was met with an admonition from the foreperson. These factors, amply supported in the amended declarations, support the court's ruling.