Opinion ID: 1190445
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Prospective juror Colleen Soper

Text: (24) Colleen Soper's initial response to the court's questioning was that, I would feel uneasy about the death penalty. Although she equivocated in response to further questions, she repeatedly expressed significant doubts as to whether she could vote for the death penalty, for example, I can't say that I would want to see anyone die for whatever reason. Ms. Soper was then questioned by defense counsel. Q: Your beliefs with regard to the death penalty, are they based on any religious principles? A: Yes, I would have to say yes. My parents are Jehovah Witnesses and they're totally against it and I told them that I was involved in this sort of thing, this sort of trial, and I just don't feel very well about it. I don't really have a chosen belief myself but I don't feel right about it personally. After further examination by the court, Ms. Soper twice made clear that she could not vote for the death penalty in this case. Her answers make clear that she was properly excused for cause. ( People v. Visciotti, supra, 2 Cal.4th 1, 45, fn. 16; People v. Morris, supra, 53 Cal.3d 152, 186, fn. 4.)