Opinion ID: 1652318
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Philip Moore

Text: Philip Moore initially stated that it would be difficult for him to be fair and impartial in the guilt phase with the knowledge that the State would seek the death penalty for a first-degree murder conviction. He added that once guilt had been determined, however, he could follow the law in the penalty phase, and that in some cases, he felt the death penalty was appropriate. Later in the voir dire, however, he admitted that he could not sign a verdict recommending death. It is reasonable for a trial court to conclude that a veniremember's unequivocal statement of his inability to sign a death warrant amounts to a substantial impairment to performing the duties of a juror, specifically the serious consideration of the full range of punishment at law, including the death penalty. [22] There is no evidence of abuse of discretion.