Opinion ID: 2359155
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Would more good than harm result from overruling Hartwell?

Text: Because the State has successfully demonstrated changed conditions, we must consider whether more good than harm would result from a departure from precedent in this instance. [52] In analyzing this element, we must balance the benefits of adopting a new rule against the benefits of stare decisis: providing guidance for the conduct of individuals, creating efficiency in litigation by avoiding the relitigation of decided issues, and maintaining public faith in the judiciary. [53] These countervailing interests do not weigh heavily in this case. It is unclear how an individual would rely on the rule adopted in Hartwell. That is, it is unlikely that a person would commit a crime because he believed that, upon his death while his appeal was pending, his conviction would be abated. As for the efficiency rationale, while it is true that overturning Hartwell would result in some additional litigation of the continued appeals of deceased defendants, the number of such cases should be small. As for the third factor, public faith in the judiciary, allowing continued appeals will protect both victims and defendants by providing the opportunity to have criminal charges fully litigated and decided.