Opinion ID: 2441272
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: AMCI 2d 9404 Jury Instruction.

Text: For this point, the appellant argues that the trial court erred in instructing the jury about Travis's potential parole eligibility, pursuant to AMCI 2d 9404. The thrust of his argument is that Arkansas's statutory sentencing scheme, which includes the law applicable to parole as evidence relevant to sentencing, Ark.Code Ann. § 16-97-103(1) (Supp.1995), is in conflict with our rules. Travis specifically cites Haynes v. State, 311 Ark. 651, 846 S.W.2d 179 (1993) (holding that neither the trial court nor counsel should comment on parole) and Andrews v. State, 251 Ark. 279, 472 S.W.2d 86 (1971) (holding that parole should not be discussed because the jury would be inclined to give excessive punishment), in support of his argument that Ark.Code Ann. § 16-97-103(1) is an evidentiary/procedural rule in conflict with our prior rulings, and thus an impermissible infringement by the legislature. This argument is without merit. Since the enactment of the criminal code, we have said that sentencing is controlled by statute. See Cody v. State, 326 Ark. 85, 929 S.W.2d 159 (1996); Easley v. State, 274 Ark. 215, 623 S.W.2d 189 (1981). Ark.Code Ann. § 16-97-103(1) was enacted as part of Act 535 of 1993, where the General Assembly made changes in procedures governing jury trials by providing for separate consideration of guilt and sentencing. Among other things, Act 535 defines what is evidence relevant to sentencing, part of which includes parole eligibility. Simply put, Travis fails to cite to any express rule of this court with which Ark. Code Ann. § 16-97-103(1) conflicts. Our holdings to which Travis cites were handed down prior to the enactment of Act 535 of 1993. Because of the deference this court has given to the General Assembly in matters pertaining to sentencing, see Cody, supra , and because Travis fails to cite an express rule of this court which conflicts with Ark.Code Ann. § 16-97-103(1), we affirm as to this point.