Opinion ID: 159988
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: meaning of life sentence without parole

Text: 50 Pursuant to Oklahoma law, the trial court instructed the jury on its three sentencing options--life imprisonment, life imprisonment without parole, and death. The jury, during its sentencing deliberations, inquired of the court what happens on life without parole? The court's response directed the jury to read the Instructions, they speak for themselves. Mr. McGregor urges that the trial court's response violated Simmons v. South Carolina, 512 U.S. 154 (1994). We disagree. The instruction's three-way choice fulfills the Simmons requirement that a jury be notified if the defendant is parole ineligible. Mayes v. Gibson, 210 F.3d 1284, 1294 (10th Cir. 2000).