Opinion ID: 1759877
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Defining Mitigation

Text: ¶ 137. Scott complains that the trial court gave the standard of proof for aggravating circumstances numerous times in the instructions, yet never defined the standard of proof for mitigation. He claims that the instruction that was given failed to adequately define the standard for mitigation and the jury was uncertain, therefore, as to the standard to use when weighing the evidence of beyond a reasonable doubt or preponderance of the evidence. The State asserts that Scott did not object to the instruction and it is procedurally barred on appellate review. Indeed, the record reflects that Scott did not object to the instruction. ¶ 138. This Court in Holland v. State, 705 So.2d 307, 354 (Miss.1997), found no error when an instruction failed to give the burden of proof for any mitigating factors. This Court held: Holland also asserts that denial of the original D-22 was error. The amended D-22 omitted the part of the original D-22 which stated, You must find a mitigating circumstance if it is proven by a preponderance of the evidence. Holland cites no support for his assertion. Accordingly, it is barred under Kelly v. State, 553 So.2d 517, 521 (Miss.1989). Furthermore, alternatively, considering the merits of this issue, this Court's holding in Conner v. State, 632 So.2d 1239, 1271-72 (Miss.1993), cert. denied, 513 U.S. 927, 115 S.Ct. 314, 130 L.Ed.2d 276 (1994), expressly refused to find error in an instruction which did not give the exact burden of proof for mitigating factors. Thus, there is no merit to this issue. Holland, 705 So.2d at 354 (emphasis added). Accordingly, we find that the trial court did not err by not giving an instruction with the burden of proof for mitigating factors. This issue is without merit.