Opinion ID: 1091937
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 19

Heading: Mississippi's capital sentencing scheme is unconstitutional when viewed as a whole.

Text: This issue was capable of determination at trial and/or on direct appeal, but was not raised. Therefore, this claim is procedurally barred by waiver unless Lockett has shown cause or actual prejudice in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. § 99-39-21(4), (5). Lockett has not alleged nor shown cause nor actual prejudice for not raising this issue on direct appeal. See Wiley v. State, 517 So.2d 1373 (Miss. 1987); Evans v. State, 485 So.2d 276 (Miss. 1986). Therefore, this claim is procedurally barred by waiver pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 99-39-21(1) (Supp. 1991). Additionally, this claim lacks merit because this Court has previously determined that Mississippi's capital sentencing scheme, as a whole, is constitutional. See Billiot v. State, 454 So.2d 445 (Miss. 1984); Smith v. State, 419 So.2d 563 (Miss. 1982); Jones v. State, 381 So.2d 983 (Miss. 1980); Coleman v. State, 378 So.2d 640 (Miss. 1979). None of the claims Lockett presents in his Application for post-conviction relief warrant the granting of the Application. Therefore, Lockett's Application for post-conviction relief is denied.