Opinion ID: 1742511
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 20

Heading: The Exclusion of Mr. Wilbert Robertson

Text: The defendant also argues that Mr. Wilbert Robertson was also improperly excused for cause when he could have sat with the requisite impartiality. Initially, when asked if he could consider imposing the death penalty Mr. Robertson stated, I don't know. Although the defense attempted to rehabilitate him, when asked whether he could consider imposing a death sentence and consider imposing a life sentence, he again answered that he did not know. When questioned further he said, I guess I have to know the evidence of what happened. The defense tried one last time by asking: But you're not ruling out the possibility that, in fact, you could vote for the death sentence if you were convinced that the facts were really bad enough? Mr. Robertson answered, I guess. I don't know. These responses do not indicate that Mr. Robertson could consider the death penalty. Despite being repeatedly asked if he could apply it he was never able to clearly state that he could consider it. Accordingly, the trial judge properly granted the State's challenge with regard to Mr. Robertson.