Opinion ID: 1739694
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: the failure to instruct the jury of its discretionary power to return a life sentence regardless of its findings on aggravating and mitigating circumstances

Text: The position of this Court on this issue was stated thusly in Irving's appeal of his sentencing trial: It therefore appears that the `mercy instruction' is not mandated, but will be approved if granted by the trial court largely because it is not prejudicial to a defendant. 441 So.2d at 851. See also Johnson v. State, 477 So.2d 196 (Miss. 1985); Cabello v. State, 471 So.2d 332 (Miss. 1985); Billiot v. State, 454 So.2d 445 (Miss. 1984).