Opinion ID: 1172674
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 33

Heading: Voir Dire of Ms. Lisa Denis

Text: When questioned on voir dire about whether she had ever made a life or death decision, Ms. Lisa Denis answered No. I don't know ... I don't know if I could vote, I don't know if I could. [206] She also indicated the death penalty would be a very difficult position for her. [207] Defense counsel asked her [D]o you think that you could follow [the judge's] instructions to consider the possibility of a death penalty as a sentence? She answered Oh, yeah, I could follow the instructions. I think thatโactually making that decision, no. [208] The court asked Ms. Denis if, given her knowledge, background and opinion, she could actually vote to impose the death penalty. Ms. Denis replied I don't think I could. It would have to be so crystal clear. It would just have to beโ[.] [209] The trial court did not abuse its discretion in excusing Ms. Denis for cause. The record supports the court's finding that her views about the death penalty would have substantially impaired her ability to follow the court's instructions.