Opinion ID: 57390
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Good Behavior in Institutional Setting

Text: Smith's good behavior during previous imprisonment constitutes evidence capable of both mitigating and aggravating his punishment. While Smith's good behavior in institutional settings shows an ability to not cause problems in controlled environments, this attribute also shows his propensity to not abide by the laws of our society. See Ladd, 311 F.3d at 360 (holding that counsel's decision to not admit evidence regarding good behavior in institutional settings did not support ineffective assistance of counsel claim). Moreover, on cross-examination, the State likely would have presented Smith's three disciplinary violations while incarcerated for prior criminal convictions. Cockrum v. Johnson, 119 F.3d 297, 302 (5th Cir.1997) (upholding trial counsel's decision to not allow witnesses with positive and negative experiences involving the defendant to testify during the punishment phase). Smith's counsel incorporated portions of this evidence, however, through the testimony of a correctional officer. Officer Gentry testified about Smith's good behavior while incarcerated in the local jail. For these reasons, we conclude that trial counsel performed reasonably in not fully disclosing Smith's prison records during the punishment phase.