Opinion ID: 2630894
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Issue Raised for First Time on Appeal

Text: There is, however, a threshold question that applies to both the federal and state constitutional issues: Can Gomez' cruel and unusual punishment arguments be considered for the first time on appeal? This court has held, in general, that constitutional issues cannot be raised for the first time on appeal. State v. Ortega-Cadelan, 287 Kan. 157, 159, 194 P.3d 1195 (2008). Three exceptions to the general rule (hereinafter referred to as Pierce exceptions) have been recognized, however. They are: (1) The newly asserted claim involves only a question of law arising on proved or admitted facts and is determinative of the case; (2) consideration of the claim is necessary to serve the ends of justice or to prevent the denial of fundamental rights; and (3) the district court is right for the wrong reason. Ortega-Cadelan, 287 Kan. at 159, 194 P.3d 1195; see Pierce v. Board of County Commissioners, 200 Kan. 74, 80-81, 434 P.2d 858 (1967). Gomez argues his case falls within the first and second Pierce exceptions because the issue only involves a question of law and relates to the fundamental right that prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The State also argues that the first Pierce exception applies, but only to the extent of considering whether as a matter of law a defendant may make an Eighth Amendment proportionality claim. Any further analysis, the State argues, fails to satisfy any of the three exceptions.