Opinion ID: 7089211
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Carryover Effect in Penalty Phase

Text: {¶ 192} When other-acts evidence has been properly admitted in the guilt phase, the jury may properly consider it in the penalty phase as well, insofar as it relates to the defendant's  'history, character, and background,' which a jury must consider in the penalty phase. State v. Cassano , 96 Ohio St.3d 94 , 2002-Ohio-3751 , 772 N.E.2d 81 , ¶ 51, quoting R.C. 2929.04(B). {¶ 193} As noted above, some of the other-acts evidence in this case-particularly the Old Carolina Barbecue robbery evidence-was improperly admitted. But our independent review will readily cure any carryover effect of other-acts evidence erroneously admitted in the guilt phase. State v. Davie , 80 Ohio St.3d 311 , 322, 686 N.E.2d 245 (1997) ; see also State v. Dennis , 79 Ohio St.3d 421 , 432, 683 N.E.2d 1096 (1997) (independent review would eliminate any prejudicial impact improperly admitted gruesome photographs may have had on penalty phase).  {¶ 194} For the foregoing reasons, we overrule Tench's fifth proposition of law.