Document: 430 U.S. 349 97 S.Ct. 1197 51 L.Ed.2d 393 Daniel Wilbur GARDNER, Petitioner,v.State of FLORIDA. No. 74-6593. Argued Nov. 30, 1976. Decided March 22, 1977. Syllabus Petitioner was convicted first-degree murder in a Florida court. After the required separate sentencing hearing, jury advised court to impose life sentence on ground that statutory mitigating circumstances be taken into account imposing outweighed aggravating circumstances. But trial judge, relying part presentence investigation report he had ordered and portions which were not disclosed or requested by counsel for parties, imposed death certain circumstance justified it there no circumstance. The Supreme Court affirmed without expressly discussing petitioner's contention erred considering report, including confidential portion, deciding penalty, reviewing such portion. Held: judgment is vacated case remanded. Pp. 355-364. 313 So.2d 675, Mr. Justice STEVENS, joined STEWART POWELL, concluded that: 1 1. denied due process law when at least part, basis information opportunity deny explain. Williams v. New York, 337 241, 69 1079, 93 1337, distinguished. 355-362. 2 (a) In light constitutional developments whereby now recognized different kind punishment from any other process, as well itself, must satisfy capital procedure followed here warranted following justifications offered State: (i) an assurance confidentiality necessary enable investigators obtain relevant but sensitive disclosures about defendant's background character; (ii) full disclosure will unnecessarily delay proceeding; (iii) disclosure, often includes psychiatric psychological evaluations, occasionally disrupt rehabilitation process; (iv) judges can trusted exercise their discretion responsible manner, even though decisions may based secret information. 357-360. 3 (b) Even if permissible upon finding good cause withhold portion defendant, defense counsel, nevertheless made record reviewed appeal. Since State administer its capital-sentencing procedures with hand, disclose considerations motivating every imposed, since otherwise would subject defects resulted holding unconstitutionality Furman Georgia, 408 238, 92 2726, 33 346. 360-361. 4 (c) Here counsel's failure request access cannot justify submission less complete than judge his decision petitioner death, nor does omission constitute effective waiver error. 361-362. 5 2. proper dispositiono f vacate remand directions order further proceedings level inconsistent this opinion, rather than, urges, merely remanding have entire function, latter could fully correct P. 362. 6 WHITE concluded, Eighth Amendment's ban cruel unusual punishments, selecting defendants penalty permits consideration character fails meet 'need reliability determination appropriate punishment,' Woodson North Carolina, 428 280, 305, 96 2978, 49 944. 362-364. 7 BLACKMUN concurred judgments supra, Roberts Louisiana, 325, 3001, 974. 364. 8 Charles H. Livingston, petitioner. 9 Wallace E. Allbritton, respondent. 10 STEVENS announced delivered POWELL joined. 11 sentenced death. When stated report. Portions parties. Without Florida, over dissent two justices, sentence. 675 (1975). We conclude command person shall deprived law. 12 * On June 1973, assaulted wife blunt instrument, causing her January 10, 1974, after Circuit Citrus County, Fla., found him guilty murder. 13 hearing cases1 held later same day. merelyy introduced photographs decedent, testimony. That testimony, credited, sufficient support one circumstances, felony committed 'was especially heinous, atrocious, cruel.'2 14 mitigation testified consumed vast quantity alcohol during day-long drinking spree preceded crime, professed almost recollection assault itself. His circumstances.3 15 evidence instructed determine majority vote (1) whether proved defined statute, (2) circumstance, (3) determination, defendant should 16 retired deliberate, going petitioner.4 Twenty-five minutes returned advisory verdict. It App. 131. 17 completed Parole Probation Commission 28, 1974. entered findings fact ultimate atrocious cruel; outweighs to-wit: none.' Id., 138. As preface finding, recited conclusion presented both stages bifurcated proceeding, arguments review 'the factual contained said pre-sentence investigation.' Ibid. 18 There dispute counsel. Although noted been given 'a copy (of report) they are entitled,' ibid., examine apprised contents did comment do indicate anything special importance undisclosed reason customary practice disclosing 19 appeal Court, argued making penalty. per curiam opinion specifically discuss contention, judge's carefully reviewed, conviction affirmed. appeal, however, include 20 Ervin Boyd dissented several grounds. They regarded establish matter law, also fundamental error rely provided stated, part: 21 'Additionally, appears 'confidential' PSI available which, either Appellant Appellee. fact, unclear has thereof our review, critical final step between imposition safeguards outlined Dixon. (State Dixon, 283 (1973).) What purely conjectural absolutely unknown therefore unrebuttable Appellant. means determining what role played sentence, thus I overturn Appellant's alone.'. So.2d, 678 (emphasis original). 22 Petitioner's execution stayed pending constitutionality procedure. Following Proffitt 242, 2960, 913, procedure, face, avoids deficiencies identified 346, granted certiorari case, 908, 3219, 1216, consider use case.5 II 23 places primary reliance Court's landmark 1337. this, rejected jury're commendation mercy reliance, material prepared court's probation department. York Appeals rejecting denial supplied witnesses whom accused neither confront cross-examine. 24 This referred appellant's claim 'narrow contention,' id., 243, S.Ct., 1081, characterized 25 'presents serious difficult question . relat(ing) rules applicable manner guide already defendant.' 244, 1082. 26 affirmed, Justices. 27 Black's persuasively reasons why developed useful unfair admissible normal adversary proceeding open relevance reasoning Part III opinion. Preliminarily, we note comments Black make clear directly case. 28 first significant facts concerning described detail Referring material, noted: 29 'The accuracy statements past practices challenged appellant asked disregard them afford chance refute discredit cross-examination otherwise.' 30 contrast, before us, state substance portiono might considered material.6 was, accordingly, similar challenge materiality 31 passage time justifies re-examination procedures. pointed out: 32 'This whole country traveled far period automatic commonplace result convictions offenses today deemed trivial.' 247-248, 1083. written years ago, acknowledged obligation re-examine against evolving standards procedural fairness civilized society.7 34 1949, decided, difference lesser punishments crime Court. At assumed offense, like within limits prescribed legislature.8 long those limits, essentially unreviewable possibility remote, if, indeed, existed all. intervening require us scrutinize State's more closely 1949. 35 First, five Members country. Gregg 153, 181-188, 2909, 2929-2932, 859 (opinion Stewart, Powell, Stevens, JJ.); see 231-241, 2971, 2973-2977, 904 (Marshall, J., dissenting); U.S., 286-291, 2750-2753 (Brennan, concurring), 306-310, 2760-2763 (Stewart, concurring); 314-371, 2765-2794 concurring). From point view differentin severity finality. society, action sovereign taking citizens differs dramatically legitimate action. vital community be, appear caprice emotion. 36 Second, requirements Due Process Clause. substantive right particular range authorized stage criminal entitled assistance Mempa Rhay, 389 128, 88 254, 336; Specht Patterson, 386 605, 87 1209, 326. interest leads object process. See Witherspoon Illinois, 391 510, 521-523, 1770, 1776-1778, 776.9 37 these 38 argues potential sources essential persons unwilling publicly character. availability information, argued, provides who prepares greater base recommendation and, turn, better decision. quality, quantity, rely. Assurances secrecy conducive transmission confidences bear closer relation average rumor item gossip, imply pledge attempt independent verification received. risk some accepted confidence erroneous, misinterpreted, investigator manifest. 39 If, argues, important assume cases decisive choice If tends tip scales favor life, presumably favorable disclosed. plainly preserving comparable ino ther cases. 40 suggests proceeding. think likelihood overstated because presume reports professional officers, requires, generally reliable.10 contested, avoid disregarding disputed material. Or importance, invested ascertaining truth surely spent makes 41 urges reports, rehabilitation. argument, valid, hardly withholding Moreover, whatever force argument noncapital cases, merit decided Indeed, extinction all aspects legitimately impose. 42 Finally, However acceptable clearly foreclosed.11 rests erroneous premise participation superfluous evaluating significance facts. Our belief debate adversaries truth-seeking function trials requires recognize giving influence 43 pursuant express nondisclosure, 250-253, 2966-2967, motivated imposed. Georgia.12 only explanation lack 44 Nor regard record. conclusion. urge objection waived. duty total record,' Swan State, 322 485, 489 (1975), reviews Third, members passed question. Cf. Boykin Alabama, 395 240-242, 89 1709, 1710-1712, 274 n. 3. Fourth, presuming himself knowing intelligent waiver, possibly tactical Estelle Williams, 425 501, 507-508, 1691, 1694-1695, 48 126. Fifth, found, disagreement jury, rejection verdict required. For correctly assessed veracity, predicate. 45 IV 46 remains disposition proper. conviction, course, tainted function. possible caused accept jury's Accordingly, vacated, remanded 47 Vacated THE CHIEF JUSTICE concurs judgment. WHITE, concurring 50 944 (1976), addressed mandatory under statute involved consistent Eight prohibition punishments. plurality stated: issue, explored Furman, involves employed select unique irreversible death.' 287, 2983. (Emphasis added.) 52 conduct sort posttrial conducted rendered Carolina's unconstitutional, said: 53 '(W)e believe respect humanity underlying Amendment, Trop Dulles, 356 (86), 100, 78 (590), 597 (2 630) (plurality opinion), individual offender offense constitutionally indispensable inflicting 54 squarely predicate qualitatively imprisonment, however long. Death, finality, imprisonment 100-year prison term year two. Because qualitative difference, corresponding need specific case.' 304-305, 2991-2992. 55 issue 'involves procedure' receive indicated selected Gardner respond. A people 'character offender,' 304, 2991, punishment' Woodson, 2992. stems solely rested, my limited, address application Clause, vehicle strictures Amendment triggered reasons, join concur 56 BLACKMUN, 57 Given 974 (1976),* each attained Justices combination respective concurrences Brennan Marshall, reaches present 58 BRENNAN. 59 agree Clause Fourteenth violated facing informed judge. However, adhere prohibited Amendments, 227, (1976) dissenting). insofar remands lead imposition. 60 MARSHALL, dissenting. 61 Last Term, scrutinized thedeath insure 'wantonly' 'freakishly' 913 (1976). belies hope. While continue unconstitutional 314, 2764, 346 (1972) 155, 231, 2973, dissenting), resentencing nevertheless, legally take insist accordance enunciated am appalled extent deviated relied. simply overriding relied concern it. Obviously alone enough holds. blatant exhibited courts below devised regulate impositiono calls proval system Proffitt. 62 gave approval new very spelled out doing so. joint Stevens (hereafter opinion) '$t)he '(i)n sustain suggesting so convincing virtually reasonable differ,' Tedder 910 (1975),' 249, 2965, 'statute imposes 'it set forth writing facts: (t)hat (statutory) exist insufficient outweigh circumstances.' (Fla.Stat.Ann.) 921.141(3) (Supp.1976-1977).' 250, 2965. addition, concerned 'specific form review,' 63 '(s)ince, findings, meaningful appellate Georgia counterpart, considers '(guarantee) (aggravating mitigating) reach reached another die, too great.' 1, (1973).' 251, 2966. 64 studying performance satisfied itself guarantees genuine undertaken responsibly perform maximum rationality consistency,' 258-259, 2969, 'has effect adopted type proportionality mandated statute' upheld 259, 2969. placed great emphasis factor, 'because statewide jurisdiction, (the Court) assure consistency, fairness, evenhanded operation law.' 259-260, 2970. 65 engaged precisely 'cursory rubber-stamp review' Proffit occur. evidence, recommended sentence: 66 'We, Jury, heard above cause, charge, involved, charge find advise 67 'We herein Court.' 68 ignored findings. statutorily consisted of: '(T)he undersigned concludes determines exist, (sic) none; records facts, '1. Thatthe victim died acts nature reflected testimony Dr. William Shutze, District Medical Examiner Fifth Judicial follows: (followed list injuries deceased).' 138-139. 70 justices statement murder, verbatim 'findings,' warranted, 'analysis': 71 'Upon careful commission aforedescribed heinous crime. 72 'Accordingly, hereby 73 'It ordered.' 74 quotation, legal analysis apparent undertook none previously proclaimed duty. say evaluated propriety says Despite so, failed 'to independently' done nothing guarantee' consistency sentences. Its comparison recommendation. ascertain sustaining 'so 366. impossible me standard met 75 notes, ante, 352, factors apply apparently jury: while infuence extreme mental emotional disturbance' '(t)he capacity appreciate criminality conform substantially impaired.' Fla.Stat.Ann. §§ 921.141(6)(b) (f) (Supp. 1976). purpose categories is, observed below, "to protect who, answerable actions, deserving state.' (1973)).' 679. 76 person. undisputed day night prior killing. Both court-appointed psychiatrists alcoholic 'had alleged competent, wrong being capable adhering right.' 11, 19. Furthermore, actions falling asleep wife's dead body, seeking mother-in-law's help next morning breathing properly, weeping realized she dead, waiting police come escape temporarily mentally impaired surprising aggravating. 77 Clearly, where differ.' Had examined would, doubt reinstated. observed: passion marital setting excessive factor resulting homicide. read statutes, notmerit exercised extends beyond statutes repose governmental officials purpose. contemplate intended included category warranting drunken spouses killed traditionally 79 Proffitt, led established 'assure arbitrary capricious manner.' 253, 2967. promise reconsider assessment.* 80 REHNQUIST, 81 last Term's Brother White procedures, never convert punishment. relates punishment, affirm Florida. § 921.141 (Supp.1976). 913. 921.141(5)(h) provides, '(6) Mitigating following: '(b) disturbance. '(f) 921.141(b)(b), Rules Crim.Proc. 3.710-3.713 authorize investigation. sentencing, reference here. appendix brief printed contests authenticity. He alternatively, certified Court; instance flouts regularity that, having rebut improper Reply Brief 2-3. evaluate prejudicial impact opinions appearing brief. inference drawn ambiguous mention "portion entitled," 353, issued announced. 171-173, 179-181, 2924-2925, 2928-2929, 859; 299-300, 2757-2758 McGautha California, 402 183, 197-203, 91 1454, 1462-1465, 711; 519 15, 1775, 776. 251-252, 1085, L.Ed. applies not, implicate panoply rights. 'Once determined applies, due. others citation authority flexible protections situation demands. flexibility scope once due; recognition situations calling call procedure.' Morrissey Brewer, 471, 481, S.Ct.2593, 2600, 484. presumption normally reliable unverified inaccurate determinative 313-314, 2764-2765 (White, upheld, own 315, 461 908 Therefore, Marshall's criticism follow teaching (1976); Jurek Texas, 262, 2950, 929 responds, 361 12, criticize Tedder. conveniently ignores came key most notably (Fla.1973), 'guaranteed' results 2966, quoting 10. More significantly, much again condemn man die rules. Compliance give rejects "be differ." comparative previously. Brothers obvious mention. Nevertheless, man's stake, blind faith just decisionin

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