Opinion ID: 1057579
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 28

Heading: the right to life claim

Text: Mr. Hester contends that the death penalty infringes upon his constitutional right to life because of the existence of less restrictive means to effectuate the state's interest. Courts may not require the legislature to select the least severe penalty possible so long as the penalty selected is not cruelly inhumane or disproportionate to the crime involved. And a heavy burden rests on those who would attack the judgment of the representatives of the people. Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U.S. 153, 175, 96 S.Ct. 2909, 49 L.Ed.2d 859 (1976) (plurality opinion); State v. Lafferty, 20 P.3d 342, 363-64 (Utah 2001). Accordingly, Mr. Hester's argument that the State's failure to utilize the least restrictive means to achieve its interest renders his sentence unconstitutional is unavailing.