Opinion ID: 1202760
Heading Depth: 5
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Constitutionality of the Sentencing Formula of Penal Code Section 190.3

Text: (5) Defendant contends that the sentencing formula of Penal Code section 190.3 (hereafter section 190.3) is unconstitutional on the ground that it withdraws from the trier of fact constitutionally compelled discretion and thereby undermines the reliability of the verdict. Section 190.3, factor (k), states in relevant part that the trier of fact shall consider, take into account and be guided by the aggravating and mitigating circumstances referred to in this section, and shall impose a sentence of death if the trier of fact concludes that the aggravating circumstances outweigh the mitigating circumstances. The point defendant makes here, however, was rejected in People v. Brown (1985) 40 Cal.3d 512, 538-544 [220 Cal. Rptr. 637, 709 P.2d 440], reversed on other grounds sub nomine California v. Brown (1987) 479 U.S. 538 [93 L.Ed.2d 934, 107 S.Ct. 837].