Document: 503 U.S. 159 112 S.Ct. 1093 117 L.Ed.2d 309 David DAWSON, Petitioner,v.DELAWARE. No. 90-6704. Argued Nov. 12, 1991. Decided March 9, 1992. Syllabus A Delaware jury convicted petitioner Dawson of first-degree murder and other crimes. At the penalty hearing, prosecution, inter alia, read a stipulation—"[t]he Aryan Brotherhood refers to white racist prison gang that began . in California response gangs racial minorities. Separate calling themselves now exist many state prisons including Delaware"—despite Dawson's assertion admission stipulated facts violated his First Fourteenth Amendment rights, introduced evidence he had words "Aryan Brotherhood" tattooed on hand. The found aggravating circumstances—that was committed by an escaped prisoner, during commission burglary, for pecuniary gain—outweighed mitigating evidence—that shown kindness family members earned good time credits prison—and made binding recommendation court be sentenced death. State Supreme Court affirmed. Held: 1. rights were this case, because no relevance issues being decided proceeding. Constitution does not erect per se barrier concerning one's beliefs associations at sentencing simply those are protected Amendment. See, e.g., Barclay v. Florida, 463 939, 103 3418, 77 1134. However, narrowness stipulation admitted here left totally without says nothing about prison's chapter Brotherhood. Any group might hold tied any way murder, victim white, as is Dawson. proved only group's abstract beliefs, or endorsed unlawful violent acts. Thus, it relevant help prove circumstance. Cf. Texas Johnson, 491 397, 414, 109 2533, 2544, 105 342. Nor rebut evidence, since, while entitled introduce "bad" character "good" see Payne Tennessee, 501 ----, 111 2597, 115 720, cannot viewed its own right. Pp. 163-168. 2. question whether wrongful harmless error open consideration remand. 168-169. 581 A.2d 1078, vacated remanded. REHNQUIST, C.J., delivered opinion Court, which WHITE, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, SOUTER, JJ., joined. J., filed concurring opinion. THOMAS, dissenting Bernard J. O'Donnell, Wilmington, Del., petitioner. Richard E. Fairbanks, Jr., respondent. THE CHIEF JUSTICE Court. 1 presented case Amendments prohibit introduction capital proceeding fact defendant member organization called Brotherhood, where has We they do. 2 Shortly after midnight December 1, 1986, three inmates from Correctional Center near Smyrna, Delaware. stole car headed south, another drove north. Early morning, burglarized house Kenton, Delaware, stealing motorcycle jacket, several pocket watches, containers loose change. He then proceeded home Madeline Kisner, located half mile burglary site. Mrs. Kisner alone house, preparing leave work. brutally murdered Kisners' some money, fled further south. 3 reappeared later evening Zoo Bar Milford, wearing jacket too big him. While bar, himself Patty Dennis, told her name "Abaddon," said meant "one Satan's disciples." App. 80-81. subsequently asked bar. Later evening, police officer responded call investigate one-car accident. involved accident been stolen location driven into ditch, but driver scene. house-to-house search Dawson, him 5:25 next floor Cadillac parked three-tenths 4 possession deadly weapon felony, various trial conducted hearing before determine should death conviction. See Del.Code Ann., Tit. 11, § 4209 (1987). prosecution gave notice intended (1) expert testimony regarding origin nature well back right hand, (2) referred "Abaddon" red letters across stomach, (3) photographs multiple swastika tattoos picture painted wall cell. argued inflammatory irrelevant, would violate under Amendments. 5 Before phase began, parties agreed evidence. provided 6 "[t]he 1960's Delaware." 132. 7 In return agreement stipulation, witnesses testify Although order avoid presentation testimony, apparent record continued assert Constitution. 1078 (1990). judge permitted present related well, excluded all addition, submitted proof lengthy criminal record. turn, based two enrolling drug alcohol programs. statutory circumstances, each making eligible law; determined gain. id., 1102, n. 27. concluded outweighed recommended court, bound recommendation, imposed penalty. 8 affirmed convictions sentence. rejected claim use have hearing. It observed having least one factor, "required make individualized determination executed incarcerated life, upon character, circumstances crime," desirable much information possible when decision. Id., 1102-1103 (emphasis original). acknowledged certain irrelevant factors process, stated " '[p]unishing person expressing views associating with people substantially different allowing [the defendant's] [to considered] inquiry.' 1103. Because relating properly focused jury's attention did appeal prejudices race, religion political affiliation, upheld phase. granted certiorari, 499 1412, 113 465 (1991), consider constitutional error. error, so reverse. 9 held protects individual's join groups associate others holding similar beliefs. Aptheker Secretary State, 378 500, 507, 84 1659, 1664, 12 992 (1964); NAACP Alabama ex rel. Patterson, 357 449, 460, 78 1163, 1170, 1488 (1958). constitutionally protected, argues, association rights. Relying our statement Zant Stephens, 462 862, 2733, 235 (1983), circumstance invalid if "it authorizes draw adverse inferences conduct protected," contends forbids activities Id. 885, S.Ct., 2747. 10 think submission is, light cases, broad. These cases emphasize "the authority always free wide range material." 2606, 720 (1991); United States Tucker, 404 443, 446, 92 589, 591, 30 592 (1972) ("[A] may appropriately inquiry broad scope, largely unlimited either kind consider, source come"); Williams New York, 337 241, 69 1079, 93 L.Ed. 1337 (1949). previously consideration, proceeding, intolerance subversive advocacy such involved. 1134 example, we take elements hatred" Barclay's crime "Barclay's desire start race war." 949, 3424 (plurality opinion); 970, 18, 3435, 18 (STEVENS, judgment). 11 One year later, Abel, 469 45, 465, 83 450 (1984), Government could impeach defense witness showing both sworn lie behalf other. admissible show bias, even assuming membership among associational freedoms Though Abel involve logic perfectly applicable therefore conclude accept submission, nevertheless agree that, receipt claimed associated drugs escape attempts prisons, advocates fellow inmates. If credible otherwise effect presented, case. But, reaching limited stipulation. brief originated 1960's, entertains separate system calls itself 13 As initial matter, second sentence carefully parsed, "chapter" prisons. Prior trial, there differences offshoots stating "there cells specific off-shoots within local jurisdictions don't eye share union, you will." 33. But juxtaposition first sentence, describes "white gang," invited infer identical chapter. 14 Even allegedly belongs racist, far can determine, For victim. Barclay, contrary, showed defendant's Black Liberation Army, consequent "racial war," hitchhiker. U.S., 942-944, 3420-3421 opinion). most proper "tak[e] account hatred murder." 3424. however, Dawson; killing. 15 acts, also serve legitimate purpose represents future danger society. endorses killing identifiable group, will dangerous future. Other proving circumstances. inference tended more than counters these constitute portion "character," thus their law. 4209(d) Whatever label given 342 (1989) ("[T]he government expression idea society finds offensive disagreeable"). avoided problem mere part, feeling employed find morally reprehensible. failed do more, 16 offered proffers support less Eddings Oklahoma, 455 104, 114, 102 869, 876, 71 (1982); Lockett Ohio, 438 586, 98 2954, 57 973 (1978) just sort own. 2608 ("The interest counteracting put in") (quotation omitted); 2625 dissenting). consisted members, argues rebuttal, principle rebuttal asserted correct, argument misses mark because, above, 17 dissent takes us task failing recognize broader implications gang, extending protection material adduced gangs—similar considered adducing supra, 165 would, jury, same confidence jurors familiar decisions studies relies. Regarding reach Amendment, correctly points out prevents criminalizing instance. goes that. prohibits denying bar grounds previous Communist Party, connection between "good moral character" required practice Schware Board Examiners N.M., 353 232, 752, 796 (1957). requiring impinge sought State's interest. Bates Little Rock, 361 516, 80 412, 480 (1960); similarly employing bearing issue tried. time, Clemons Mississippi, 494 738, 110 1441, 108 725 19 foregoing reasons, vacate judgment remand proceedings inconsistent 20 ordered. 21 Justice concurring. 22 I Court's opinion, write separately note my understanding penultimate paragraph ante, 168-169, require application harmless-error review 23 This declined apply analysis categories Batson Kentucky, 476 79, 100, 106 1712, 1725, 90 (1986) (racial discrimination selection petit jury); Vasquez Hillery, 474 254, 261-262, 617, 621, 88 598 grand Waller Georgia, 467 39, 49-50, 104 2210, 2217, 81 31 (1984) (right public trial); Tumey 273 510, 535, 47 437, 445, 749 (1927) (trial impartial judge). potential chilling activity have, substantial appropriate type today. Rose Clark, 478 570, 587, 3101, 3111, 460 judgment) ("[V]iolations not, be, subject protect important values unrelated truth-seeking function trial"). address issue, better 24 dissenting. 25 To belonged gang. holds "ha[d] proceeding" Ante, 160. respectfully dissent. 26 * sentencing. Under law, "all aggravation mitigation" "character propensities" defendant. 4209(d)(1) provision, became determining receive 27 observes, acted kindly toward prison. 162. participation respectable organizations, Green Tree Program (described "drug program"), Alcoholics Anonymous (not described all), therapy counseling (also all). 79. clarify organizations activities. 28 attempted part explained: 29 "The character. A. asserts indicate "abstract" "beliefs." 167. suggests "unlawful acts" use, escape, 165, 166. Yet, Brotherhood's activities, shared gang's Ibid. disagree. judgment, reasonably engaged forbidden establish dangerousness attempt others. 32 Jurors knowledge world behind enter courtroom need obvious spelled painstaking detail. Just counsel assume introducing understands church choir, softball team, Boy Scouts, prosecutor rebutting knows concept mysterious requires encyclopedic definition greater explanation belonged, Program. Jones Hamelman, 869 F.2d 1023, 1028 (CA7 1989) (testimony purported unnecessary explain once established existence); Dept. Justice, Prison Gangs: Their Extent, Nature Impact Prisons (1985) (discussing "extensive" media coverage gangs). 33 implied creed; indicated who engages 34 "One distinguishing characteristics virtual absence non-criminal, non-deviant Gang engage institutional pastimes, weight lifting notable, general deviant nature. completely immersed career gangster, leaving little inclination asocial behavior." x-xi. 35 Denying anything tendencies, traits—his "character" ignores reality. What Judge Easterbrook remarked distinguish someone reading say today: 36 "Who fooling? 'membership'—as opposed 'activity'—take place [in prison]? for, except 'activity'? Surely [they] believe meet every month discuss Critique Pure Reason debate how Stanley Tigerman's buildings differ Bauhaus school. Gangs affiliate mutual support, contemplated National Labor Relations Act." K. Lane, 839 1265, 1278 1988) (concurring 37 view, explained member. That submit, supports prison, mentioned Court.1 38 description "racist" conveyed additional plurality black conspired merely commit crimes, them against persons hatred. advocate inmates," act prejudice. makes clear facilitate formulation thoughts, "respon[d]" tends "a well-behaved well-adjusted prisoner," Skipper South Carolina, 4, 1669, 1671, (1986), indication dangerousness, Franklin Lynaugh, 487 164, 178, 2320, 2328, 101 155 (1988) 186, 2332 (O'CONNOR, 39 reflect 'reasoned response' crime, 'background' 'character' himself. Penry 492 302, 328, 2934, 2951, 256 (quoting Brown, 479 538, 545, 107 837, 841, 934 (1987) concurring). "personal culpability," Penry, 327, surely want know traits, tendencies "uniquely individual human bein[g]," Woodson North 428 280, 304, 96 2978, 2991, 49 944 (1976). towards family. undercut suggesting extend groups. sit morality particular creeds, bend traditional concepts exempt antisocial. B 40 imposes double standard relevance: easy defendants satisfy, difficult prosecutors. (1982), opinion), Capital defendants, result, regularly allows juries comparable religious fraternal organizations. Jordan 518 So.2d 1186, 1188 (Miss.1987) (membership church); Sivak Idaho 197, 236, 731 P.2d 192, 231 (same); Deputy 500 581, (Del.1985) (religious rebirth); People Belmontes, 45 Cal.3d 744, 797, 755 310, 340 Evans McCotter, 790 1232, 1242, (CA5 1986) (conversion Christianity); Beuke, Ohio St.3d 29, 43, 526 N.E.2d 274, 289 (former Cub Scouts). relevance, not. 41 distort jury. chose traits. Unless other, bad possibly fair balanced determination. Membership suggest one. assessed overall both. 42 last term, condemned distortion. Overruling Booth Maryland, 482 496, 2529, 440 (1987), Carolina Gathers, 490 805, 2207, 876 (1989), Eighth generally impact Payne, ----. reasoned defendant, victim, create unbalanced picture. Quoting Booth, stated: '[T]he in, reminding sentencer murderer individual, whose unique loss family.' 517, 2540 (WHITE, dissenting)); 520, 2542 (SCALIA, dissenting) ("Many citizens one-sided hence unjust parade comes forth pressures beyond normal experience crime. Perhaps sentiments sufficiently temper justice mercy, through democratic processes people, decrees Court"). distortion produced exclusive focus prevented jury—as today's decision—from fairly fully assessing II 43 acknowledges presenting something reasons stated, showing. violation analysis. assertions troubling 44 Both noted develop (1987); Eddings, 113-114, 876. applying declines decide "[W]hatever evidence," asserts, "we ." consequence, extent up person's decision today limits aspects authorities consider. long permits courts proceedings. 247, 1083, Until today, never hinted emphasized "may come." (1972). 46 Williams, York law encouraged "past health, habits, conduct, mental propensities," 245, 1082, phrase easily enough encompass amount activity. Writing specifically identified interests considerations "give composite defendant." 250, 15, 1085, 15. More recently, five Members addressed bear ("Evidence devotion demonstrate positive traits"); 190, 2335 regular attendance" character).2 opinions endorsement necessarily disfavors abstention activity, protects. 48 nowhere explains why Today's decision, moreover, define boundaries permissible means "ca[n] 'bad' right," 168, dramatic shift jurisprudence. Once concludes "has [sentencing] proceeding," 160, difficulty seeing what adds considers bases impermissible issues, rather received Due Process Clause, traditionally regulated questions improper 50 Chambers 227, 60 472, 716 (1940), requirement weak, helpless political, religious, minorities differed" ensuring "no man's liberty property forfeited punishment [the] until ha[s] charge tried tribunal prejudice, passion, excitement, tyrannical power." 236-237, 477. clear, particular, admits "so unduly prejudicial renders fundamentally unfair, Clause provides mechanism relief." ----; Darden Wainwright, 477 179-183, 2464, 2470-72, 91 144 (1986). 51 Our (1957), incorrectly cites, illustrates point. Schware, Mexico denied applicant lacked Evidence Party years earlier. erroneously states admitting applicant's 168. fact, abridged association. 243, 13, 759, 13. held, instead, erred years. 246, 760. concluded, prohibited unfit 52 Applying evidentiary standards recognized "real issue" "probative value unfair prejudice." 52. likewise, examined "improperly appeal[ed] juror's passions religion, affiliation." 1103 went fundamental unfairness satisfied requirements Process. convincing argument, whole, misapplied affirm. Indeed, claiming very needed provided. Courts noticed singularly vicious Fountain, 840 509, 516 (Easterbrook, J.) (citing cases), "hostility Silverstein, 732 1338, 1341 1984) (Posner, secondary sources), "during violence 1960's," Mills, 704 1553, 1555 (CA11 1983). popular scholarly writings. Matthee, Stronger Influence Cited, L.A. Times, July 10, 1987, Part p. 34, col. (describing "among prisoners"); Goodgame, Mayhem Cellblocks, Time, Aug. 1985, "inflexible ethic vengeance"); Fox, Organizational Racial Conflict Maximum-Security 136 (1982) (identifying "extremist" like Ku Klux Klan); 65-190 fourteen States). unaware aware generally. federal Federal Rule Criminal Procedure 32(c)(2)(A) presentence report following conviction contain "information history helpful imposing sentence." Advisory Committee original version rule 1084, (1949): Administrative Office Courts, Presentence Investigation Report, Pub. (1943). explains: "Centuries dynamic qualities religion. Religion significant, decisive factor enabling overcome difficulties." 10. "fraternal social organizations." recent edition retains instructions. (1984).

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