Opinion ID: 2416788
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Removal of Death Scrupled Venirepersons

Text: Jones argues that the trial court erred by sustaining the state's challenges for cause to venirepersons Edwards, Gray, Luedde, and Stagner because they indicated that they could consider the death penalty and would follow the law, as submitted in the jury instructions. Venirepersons may be excluded only where it appears that their views would prevent or substantially impair the performance of their duties as jurors in accordance with the instructions and their oath. State v. Roberts, 948 S.W.2d 577, 597 (Mo. banc 1997). Venirepersons may not be excluded simply because of general objections to the death penalty or conscientious or religious scruples against it. Id. The trial court has broad discretion in determining qualifications of prospective jurors because it is in the best position to evaluate venirepersons' responses. Id. This Court will not disturb the trial court's ruling unless it is clearly against the evidence and constitutes a clear abuse of discretion. Id. Venireperson Edwards stated that she is against the death penalty on the basis of religion and that she would automatically vote against it regardless of the evidence in the case and instruction from the judge to consider both life and death punishments. However, later during appellant's voir dire, Edwards indicated that she could listen to evidence of aggravating circumstances, could discuss with other jurors whether those circumstances existed, could weigh the aggravating circumstances against the mitigating circumstances, and could discuss with the fellow jurors whether the aggravating circumstances warranted death. The record supports the trial court's decision to strike her for cause. Venireperson Gray stated categorically during prosecutor's voir dire that under no circumstance would he consider the death penalty. During defense counsel's voir dire he agreed that he would follow instructions from the court to determine whether the case warranted the death penalty and whether the aggravating circumstances outweighed the mitigating circumstances. The record supports the trial court's decision. Venireperson Luedde equivocated as to whether she could consider the death penalty because she felt that she does not have the power to take another person's life. She agreed that she could follow instructions from the court as to listening to aggravating circumstances and whether the death penalty was warranted. The court considering the totality of her examination and answers decided to strike her for cause. The court's decision was not an abuse of discretion based on the record. Venireperson Stagner stated during voir dire, I cannot consciously sentence anyone to death because of his moral and religious belief. He stated that he could listen and discuss with fellow jurors whether aggravating circumstances exist and whether these circumstances outweigh mitigating circumstances; however, he could find that such circumstances warrant death with some difficulty. Based on the record, the trial court did not abuse its discretion.