Opinion ID: 2317297
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Our Views Expressed for the Guidance of the Trial Court

Text: (1) The Guilt Stage of the Trial (a) The admissibility vel non of the testimony of Kenneth Ferber concerning the solicitation of him by Lodowski to participate in the commission of a crime requires factual findings by the trial judge in the light of the applicable law regarding the admissibility of such evidence. (2) The Punishment Stage of the Trial (a) With respect to aggravating circumstances, the judge was clearly erroneous in finding that Fletcher was killed while in the performance of his duties as a law enforcement officer. (i) The opinion of the Chief of Police and others is not admissible to show that Fletcher was in the performance of his duties as a police officer when he was killed. (ii) Evidence as to claims presented and awards and benefits paid in civil proceedings based on the fact that Fletcher was killed while in the performance of his duties as a law enforcement officer is not admissible in this criminal cause to show that fact as an aggravating circumstance to be considered in the imposition of punishment. [22] (b) Victim impact evidence is (i) not constitutionally proscribed; (ii) relevant to a determination of the sentence to be imposed; (iii) obtainable not only in writing by way of a presentence investigation report, but also, at the discretion of the court, through live testimony in open court. [23]