Opinion ID: 1952326
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 11

Heading: Weighing of Mitigating Factors

Text: After failing to object below, defendant argues that the court neglected to inform the jurors that each of them must individually consider and weigh all mitigating factors that he or she found present even if the other jurors did not find that factor present. The State argues that the jurors understood their duty and that defendant's right to a fair sentencing proceeding was not jeopardized. The court instructed the jurors at the conclusion of the penalty phase that they must weigh mitigating factors against aggravating factors. The court emphasized that [i]f there is reliable evidence of a mitigating factor, you must consider that evidence, and give it such weight as you deem appropriate. In other words, if any evidence has been presented, with respect to a mitigating factor, and you find the mitigating factor to be present, you are bound by the law, to consider it, and weigh it, against the aggravating factors you found to be proved. Defendant argues that the charge indicated that individual jurors need only balance mitigating factors that jurors (plural) found to be present: To the extent reasonably possible, you should attempt to reach agreement on the question of whether a particular mitigating factor does or does not exist. However, unlike aggravating factors, the law does not require unanimity with respect to the finding of mitigating factors. Rather each juror must individually determine whether or not such mitigating factor exists. In the weighing process, each juror must individually decide whether the aggravating factor unanimously outweighs, beyond a reasonable doubt, the mitigating factor or factors that the jurors found to be present. [Emphasis added.] However, the court later instructed the jurors on recording their votes and correctly reminded the jurors that they need not be unanimous about the mitigating factors or even have a majority vote: If, after a full discussion, you find that you are not unanimous on the existence or non-existence of a mitigating factor, you will record your last vote on the factor on the verdict form. That is, in the boxes, the number of yes or no votes. However, remember whether a mitigating factor exists is not decided by a majority vote. As long as one juror finds any credible evidence, of any mitigating factor, you'll check, yes, next to that factor.         As long as any juror finds evidence of a mitigating factor, yes must be checked next to the factor.         If one person feels that there is evidence, credible evidence, of that mitigating factor, check yes. In recapping, the court stated that [i]n the weighing process, you will weigh the aggravating factor, which you found unanimously, against the mitigating factors that you have found. Although not as clear as it could have been, the charge and the verdict sheet, taken in their entirety, informed the jurors that they need not be unanimous on the finding or balancing of mitigating factors. In fact, the jury verdict sheet meticulously recorded individual votes on the mitigating factors alleged.