Opinion ID: 2631807
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Failure to require written jury findings

Text: Defendant contends the court erred in failing to require the jury to give a written statement and findings justifying its death verdict. In defendant's view, such findings are needed to assure effective appellate review, to guarantee defendant is treated equally with noncapital felony defendants, and to assure the jury appreciates the gravity of its sentencing task. Our cases disagree. (See People v. Welch, supra, 20 Cal.4th at p. 772, 85 Cal.Rptr.2d 203, 976 P.2d 754; People v. Frye, supra, 18 Cal.4th at p. 1029, 77 Cal.Rptr.2d 25, 959 P.2d 183; People v. Diaz (1992) 3 Cal.4th 495, 571, 11 Cal.Rptr.2d 353, 834 P.2d 1171; People v. Frierson (1979) 25 Cal.3d 142, 179, 158 Cal.Rptr. 281, 599 P.2d 587.)