Opinion ID: 1247651
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Prospective Juror McDuffie

Text: During the State's preliminary questioning of prospective juror McDuffie, he stated, I don't believe in the death penalty. In response to that answer, the following colloquy took place: [PROSECUTOR]: ... Are you saying that you would automatically vote against the death penalty no matter what evidence was presented? MR. MCDUFFIE: Well, yeah, basically. [PROSECUTOR]: That you would automatically vote for life imprisonment no matter what evidence was presented? MR. MCDUFFIE: Yes. After some additional questioning, the prosecutor challenged Mr. McDuffie for cause. Before ruling on the motion, the court conducted its own inquiry: THE COURT: Your position is somewhat difficult for me to understand. Is it that your feeling or your belief or what-have-you is such that you would be unable to consider the evidence, apply to that evidence the law of the Court, and make  under any circumstances make a recommendation that the punishment be death? MR. MCDUFFIE: No. I don't think I could sentence anybody to death. I really don't. THE COURT: You know, you said a minute ago you weren't going to be  that it wasn't that way. Your testimony has been somewhat contradictory. Is that right? MR. MCDUFFIE: I don't know. If somebody went out and killed fifty kids, I might slightly consider it, but that would be about the only way. You know, something like that. It would have to be pretty bad. I don't think I could do it though. I really don't. THE COURT: But then you could then under certain circumstances consider a recommendation of death? MR. MCDUFFIE: Possibly. Very doubtful. THE COURT: Mister Solicitor, I believe I'm not going to challenge [sic] him for cause. He says he can possibly do it. I don't understand what he's  what your definition of the word possibly is, but you must as a juror in fairness to the defendant and the State follow the law and the evidence. MR. MCDUFFIE: Okay. I can't. I'm sure I couldn't do it. I'm sure I couldn't do it. THE COURT: You just changed your mind as you sat here. Is that the idea? MR. MCDUFFIE: No, because I don't  I just don't believe in the death penalty. I wouldn't have any problem sentencing to life in prison without parole or whatever, but I just don't believe in the death penalty. The trial court then allowed the State's challenge for cause.