Opinion ID: 1702189
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Who determines whether a defendant is mentally retarded.

Text: ¶ 79. Berry devotes a significant part of his argument discussing what role judges and juries should play in determining whether a defendant is mentally retarded. We recently addressed this issue in Russell v. State, 849 So.2d 95, 145-49 (Miss.2003), but the briefs in this matter were filed prior to Russell. ¶ 80. In Russell, the petitioner argued that after meeting his burden of production, the determination of whether he is mentally retarded must be submitted to the jury and proven by the State beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. at 146. Rejecting this position, we stated, We find that not being mentally retarded is not an aggravating factor necessary for imposition of the death penalty, and [therefor] Ring has no application to an Atkins determination. Id. at 148. Our reasoning is established on the fact that Ring/Apprendi and Atkins discuss issues under the Sixth and Eighth Amendments, respectively. See also Chase v. State, 873 So.2d 1013 (Miss.2004). ¶ 81. We reject Berry's argument and cite the recent decision in Russell.