Opinion ID: 1353585
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Exclusion of evidence of Appellant's physical condition.

Text: During the penalty phase of the trial, Appellant proffered evidence as to his physical condition and resultant reduced life expectancy as evidence in mitigation of the penalty in this case. On the date this case was tried, KRS 532.055(2)(b) provided: The defendant may introduce evidence in mitigation. For purposes of this section, mitigating evidence means evidence that the accused has no significant history of criminal activity which may qualify him for leniency. This section shall not preclude the introduction of evidence which negates any evidence introduced by the Commonwealth. Since the evidence of Appellant's physical condition and life expectancy did not relate to his history of criminal activity and did not negate any penalty phase evidence offered by the Commonwealth, it was excluded by the trial judge. Effective July 15, 1998, KRS 532.055(2)(b) was amended to read as follows: The defendant may introduce evidence in mitigation or in support of leniency. 1998 Ky. Acts, ch. 606, § 111. Appellant asserts that this statute should have been applied retroactively to permit the introduction of the excluded evidence in support of leniency. KRS 446.110 allows mitigating provisions of new laws to be applied retroactively if the affected party consents. Thus, in Commonwealth v. Phon, Ky., 17 S.W.3d 106 (2000), we affirmed the imposition of a sentence of life without parole in a case where the crime was committed prior to the effective date of the amendment of KRS 532.030(1), but the sentence was imposed after that date. Here, the sentencing hearing was held before the effective date of the amendment to KRS 532.055(2)(b); thus, there was no amendment in effect that could be retroactively applied. Accordingly, the judgments of conviction and sentences imposed by the Montgomery Circuit Court are affirmed. LAMBERT, C.J.; GRAVES, JOHNSTONE and WINTERSHEIMER, JJ., concur. KELLER, J., dissents by separate opinion with STUMBO, J., joining that dissenting opinion.