Opinion ID: 1194691
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Evidence of Defendant's Reputation.

Text: The probation officer and parole agent also testified to defendant's community reputation for violence. Such evidence is irrelevant to any of the factors listed in the statute. The use of reputation evidence, moreover, as a basis for the death penalty would raise serious questions; community reputation may be well deserved, the result of one's behavior in the community, but it may also be the product of rumor or prejudice. The trial court erred in permitting the jury to consider that evidence. [10] Since we reverse the penalty judgment because of incomplete instructions on the special circumstances, we need not decide whether this or the other penalty phase errors discussed in this opinion are prejudicial. The judgment of guilt is affirmed. The special circumstance finding is set aside. The judgment as to penalty is reversed.