Opinion ID: 1392571
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Juror Catoe

Text: The trial judge excused prospective juror Luella Catoe based upon her views regarding capital punishment. Ms. Catoe flatly stated during voir dire examination that she could not vote for the death penalty if she had not seen the act, regardless of the evidence. Because her opposition to the death penalty would have prevented or substantially impaired her ability to perform her duties as a juror during the sentencing phase, she was properly disqualified. See Lockhart v. McCree , 476 U.S. 162, 106 S.Ct. 1758, 90 L.Ed. 137 (1986); State v. Drayton , 293 S.C. 417, 361 S.E. (2d) 329 (1987).