Opinion ID: 1874414
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Penalty Phase Verdict Form

Text: Alley contends that he was denied due process and a fair and rational sentencing because the verdict form allegedly directed the jury to fix his sentence at life without parole for 25 years if it found the aggravating circumstance. He argues that the form made it impossible for the jury to find the aggravating circumstance without fixing the aggravated penalty for life without parole. He maintains that this was palpable error and resulted in a manifest injustice pursuant to RCr 10.26. Upon review, we find no palpable error or manifest injustice as required by the rule. Instruction No. 3 directs the jury that if it finds the aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt, that it shall be considered in fixing a sentence. It does not mandate what sentence. Accordingly, even though the instructions might have been drafted more concisely, it is evident that the jury had sufficient information so as to decide the appropriate and available penalties. See Hodge v. Commonwealth, 17 S.W.3d 824 (Ky.2000), cert. denied, 531 U.S. 1018, 121 S.Ct. 581, 148 L.Ed.2d 498 (2000). Any possible error did not affect the fundamental fairness and basic integrity of the proceedings. Alley received a fair trial. He was not denied any of his due process rights under either the state or federal constitutions. The judgment of conviction is affirmed. COOPER, GRAVES, JOHNSTONE and KELLER, JJ., concur. SCOTT, J., concurs in part and dissents in part by separate opinion and is joined by LAMBERT, C.J.