Document: 518 U.S. 152116 S. Ct. 2074135 L.Ed.2d 457 GRAYv.NETHERLAND, WARDENCertiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for Fourth Circuit. No. 95-6510. Argued April 15, 1996 Decided June 20, Syllabus At start petitioner's Virginia trial capital murder Richard McClelland, prosecution acknowledged that, should reach penalty phase, it would introduce admissions other inmates that he had previously murdered Lisa Sorrell and her daughter. The day petitioner was convicted McClelland murder, disclosed additional evidence at sentencing linking murders, including crime scene photographs testimony from investigating detective medical examiner. Counsel moved exclude pertaining any felony which not been charged. Although counsel also complained prepared evidence, defense taken by surprise, did request a continuance. court denied motions exclude, and, after hearing, sentenced death. After exhausting his state remedies, sought federal habeas relief, claiming, as relevant here, inadequate notice prevented him defending against introduced Commonwealth failed disclose exculpatory regarding murders. District initially finding no constitutional right individual planned sentencing, claim made under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U. 83, procedurally barred law. However, later amended its judgment, concluding due process when provide fair what be introduced. In reversing, Circuit found granting relief give benefit new rule law, in violation Teague Lane, 489 288. grant certiorari is limited notice-of-evidence claims. Held: 1. Petitioner's defaulted. He never raised court, because knew grounds filed first petition, law precludes review defaulted future proceeding. This provides an independent adequate state-law ground conviction sentence, thus prevents claim, unless can demonstrate cause prejudice default. supra, 298. Because has such demonstration, cognizable suit writ. Pp. 8-9. 2. misrepresentation brief here remanded determine whether fact issue below. 9-13. (a) brief, relies on two separate challenges manner about murders: alleging use, mislead intended present. For purposes must include reference specific guarantee, well statement facts entitling relief. Picard Connor, 404 270. A does satisfy exhaustion requirement presenting courts only with necessary Nor enough make general appeal guarantee broad present "substance" court. Anderson Harless, 459 4. Gardner Florida, 430 349-on claim-and re Ruffalo, 390 544, Raley Ohio, 360 423, Mooney Holohan, 294 103-on claim-arise widely differing contexts. claims are separate. 9-12. (b) If proceedings, could failure raise proceedings. if addressed have obligated procedural default or lose assert thereafter. determines raised, consider preserved defenses proceed appropriate. 12-13. 3. require adoption rule. 13-17. Petitioner contends deprived received one day's but, rather than seeking continuance, all excluded. prevail, establish requires receive more Commonwealth's evidence. show required continuance one, chose seek exclusion appropriate remedy. Only these propositions. defendant charges defend. supra. plans use prove charges, Brady, create one. Weatherford Bursey, 429 545, 559. distinguished. Even were required, sole remedy right, since minimize prejudice. Taylor Illinois, 484 400, 413. view insistence exclusion, might felt interfering counsel's tactical decision order own motion. 15-17. proposes fall within Teague's second exception, watershed rules criminal procedure implicating proceeding's fundamental fairness accuracy. Whatever may think importance proposed rule, none primacy centrality adopted Gideon Wainwright, 372 335, thought exception. Saffle Parks, 494 484, 495. P. 17. 58 F. 3d 59, vacated remanded. Rehnquist, C. J., delivered opinion Court, O'Connor, Scalia, Kennedy, Thomas, JJ., joined. Stevens, dissenting opinion. Ginsburg, opinion, Souter, Breyer, NOTICE: subject formal revision before publication preliminary print Reports. Readers requested notify Reporter Decisions, Supreme States, Washington, D.C. 20543, typographical errors, corrections goes press. Chief Justice Rehnquist Court. 1 Petitioner, complains Fourteenth Amendment violated given some hearing trial. We hold this necessitate "new rule," therefore basis I. A. 2 manager department store, Murphy's Mart, Portsmouth, Virginia. On May 2, 1985, approximately 9:30 p.m., Melvin Tucker, friend, both influence cocaine, parked parking lot Mart watched store security guard inside. Shortly midnight, came out left automobiles. With Tucker passenger seat, followed pulled front car stop sign, threatened .32-caliber revolver, ordered into car, struck him. took McClelland's wallet harm family cooperate. Gray Commonwealth, 233 Va. 313, 340-341, 356 E. 2d 157, 172, cert. denied, 873 (1987). 3 drove back where forced gunpoint reopen store. They filled three gym bags money, totaling between $12,000 $13,000. service station, bought gasoline gas car's trunk, proceeded remote side road. 15 20 feet behind lie down. While begged hurt shoot him, assured harmed. Having fired 6 pistol shots head rapid succession. Id., 341-342, 2d, 172-173. 4 Leaving dead body road, returned intersection they seized telling wanted destroy doused interior lit match. 173. 5 arrested indicted City Suffolk several counts, murder. announced killing "he going get" having wife job saleswoman told witnesses performed it, prosecutor entered plea bargain Tucker. return being tried first-degree instead testify events leading up identify actual "trigger man." 331, 167. B. Monday, December began. phase. "in event [petitioner] guilty we do intend statements people crimes committed convicted." 14 Record 8. particular, admitted notorious double-murder Chesapeake, city adjacent Suffolk. 3-year-old daughter, Shanta, five months killed. fellow 11. 7 Thursday, 5, jury counts. That evening, informed beyond admissions, included police who investigated murders examiner autopsies Sorrells' bodies. meant Shanta killed resembled next morning, "to excluded during [the] . yet charged." 18 id., 776. argued exceeded scope unadjudicated-crime admissible "[i]n essence, [the is] doing trying Sorrell] case minds jurors." 724 (citing Watkins 229 469, 331 422 (1985), 475 1099 (1986)). "prepared [additional evidence], [that petitioner] incriminating statements," 725, "[d]efense surprise," 777, exclude. 8 During testified shortly pointed picture newspaper "knocked off" Sorrell. cross-examine Officer Michael Slezak, Lisa's seat partially burned automobile Shanta's trunk. Dr. Faruk Presswalla, bodies, six bullets head, shot gun. Gray, 345, 175. cross-examined Slezak suggest "copycat" different perpetrator. 793, 802.1 9 fixed sentence judgment verdicts affirmed, certiorari, Virginia, dismissed petition writ corpus. affirmed dismissal, certiorari. Thompson, 500 949 (1991). 10 then corpus Eastern respect argued, inter alia, "never nor awaiting crimes," "did intentions [him] until late date impossible [his] reasonably prepare defend trial," "`sold' less life sentence." Joint Appendix 94-4009 (CA4), pp. 32-33 (hereinafter J. A.). 11 dismiss petition. To clarify arguments characterized allegations seven subclaims. subclaim asserted "inadequate permit it," third, relying 83 (1963), "[t]he tending someone else murders."2 Respondent's Brief Support Motion Dismiss 3:91CV693 (ED Va.), p. According State, meritless proceedings retroactive application 18-19, 19-20. alleged presented direct Code Section(s) 8.01-654(B)(2). Dismiss, 19. 12 Initially, characterization claim. See 193. held entitled subclaim, "has items intends phase." 194. declined barred. 13 Later, motion, find admissibility 252. (In amending remained unchanged remaining claims, dismissed. 251.) holding evidentiary granted allegation "was Constitution concerning App. 348. Citing 349, 357-359 (1977), determined there defect phase hearing: "Petitioner confronted surprised officer Presswalla." 349. "violated [petitioner's] rendered clearly unreliable," attorneys used their client. 349-350. appealed, arguing 288 (1989). reversed writ, rejected cross-appeals dismissal directions 67 (1995). distinguished Gardner, relied, petitioner, unlike secret information." 3d, 64. concluded compelled existing precedent time became final," considered Teague. scheduled execution 14, 1995. applied stay petitioned 13, 516 ___ January 1996, questions stated rights withholding exculpating responsibility (1995); see Pet. Cert. i. II. 16 address "[t]his proceedings," "the factual available litigated petition," basis. contest determinations 17 implicates requirements 28 2254(b) bars "unless appears applicant exhausted remedies State." refers still Engle Isaac, 456 107, 126, n. (1982), satisfied "if clear petitioner's] now [state] law," Castille Peoples, 346, 351 bar gives rise statelaw 298; 28, 129; Wainright Sykes, 433 72, 90-91 (1977). "[n]o [of ad subjiciendum] shall knowledge filing previous petition." Ann. 8.01-654(B)(2) (1992). makes attempt III. 19 challenge perceive challenge. As will explain greater detail below, raises "notice-of-evidence" alleges failing "misrepresentation" misleading sentencing. 270 (1971), entitle indictment brought equal protection. 271. announcing substance courts," 278, contention "The [state court] dealt offered; cannot fault sua sponte protection laws." 277. 21 indicated instruction obviate elements reasonable doubt. Sandstrom Montana, 442 510 (1979)). cited authority referring state-court instructions properly law." S., (internal quotation marks omitted). Our record us to, by, but especially significant "broad right" read incorporate particular analysis developed cases Sandstrom." Ibid. 22 "particular analys[es]" process. Relying like 349 Skipper South Carolina, 476 (1986), argues "`such issues involved [sentencing] [would have] enable[d] case,'" 32 (quoting Schwartz, Administrative Law 283 (2d ed. 1984)), "a opportunity heard determinative issues," 33. stems defendant's "legitimate interest character leads imposition sentence" death, 358, justifies giving "opportunity deny" potentially information, 362. 23 "Yet another way unconstitutionally deprive [a defendant] meaningful issues, simply misinforming him." 34. cites 544 (1968), 423 (1959), 103 (1935), proposition. Ruffalo disbarment proceeding disbarred attorney Ohio committee administered discipline. 550. Raley, chairman members commission privilege self-incrimination them, contempt immunity statute Fifth unavailable. 430-434. And knowingly perjured 110. 24 arise forbids rebut. deals Whether supported infra, 16, support it. forbade engaging deliberate deception jury." 112. though involving deception, defendants detrimentally relied assurance punished done so. Mooney, course, lend shown deliberately misled just changed mind over course 25 court." Respondent 39. Supra, our usual practice decline Yee Escondido, 503 519, 533 26 There ambiguity Appeals. hand, primarily i.e., lack notice. 6-7. findings advert advantage. See, e.g., 348, 350. complicates issue, affirmative Commonwealth. stage defense, Jenkins Anderson, 447 231, 234, (1980); Schiro Farley, 222, 227-228 (1994). 27 remand briefs merits asserts "fundamental complaint throughout litigation : presentation proceeding." Reply 4-5. turn correctly writ's purpose fulfilled least intrusion States' finality applying standards contemporaneous Teague, 309-310 (opinion J.). Thus, considering final conclude [he] seeks Constitution." 488 (1990). 29 latest, call stand repeat committing murders.3 340; nonetheless witnesses, whom advised evening hearing. 342; 777. But cure inadequacy requesting respond other-any charged."4 30 facts, prevail 31 established. (1968); Cole Arkansas, 333 196 (1948). stands quite footing. said Due Process Clause little say amount discovery parties afforded." Wardius Oregon, 412 470, 474, (1973). 545 aid surprise accomplice undercover agent. agent's testimony, 549. keep cover, agent defendant. 560. explaining "[t]here case, Brady," one," put mildly, compel evidence; import, fact, strongly validity principally proposition death "on information deny explain." 362 part assembled presentence investigation parole commission; "investigation report contained confidential portion counsel." 353. literally even let alone hear Presswalla open them. His much akin Weatherford, upheld Gardner. 33 otherwise conceded alibi witness. 400 (1988), situation drastic sanction always available. Prejudice minimized continuance." Here, continuance; exclusion. standard relevance unsolved-crime 723. 34 dissent well-established afforded sentencing." Post, disagree dissent's assertion underlying Compare 4, post, glosses similarities "`dictate[s],'" 10, disposition claim-adversely petitioner-more dissent. without move new-rule doctrine "would meaningless level generality." Sawyer Smith, 497 227, 236 D. 35 nonetheless, falls exceptions. exception permits places class private conduct power State proscribe." 311). here. `watershed procedure' accuracy 495 311; Butler McKellar, 407, 416 (1990)). "mandated long-recognized principles critical determinations." 47. 36 observed Parks paradigmatic example provided trials serious offenses. 335 (1963)). "Whatever exception." applies, obtain IV. 37 Neither states upon vacate Appeals, consideration consistent 38 It so ordered. 39 dissenting. 40 Ginsburg cogently explained why well-settled reversal I join observation. sufficient limits introduction unadjudicated cases, surely Given "vital importance" "any impose be, appear based reason caprice emotion", fundamentally unfair prosecutors intent offer 357-358 (1977) (Opinion 41 Breyer join, 42 Basic full, fair, effective State's charges. accorded rule" implicated corpus, Court's decision, denies resentencing seeks. 43 Coleman Gray's began Suffolk, charged robbery, offense. 18.2-31(4) (Supp. 1995). Under stages: guilt murder; decide imprisonment. 19.2-264.4(A) 44 in-chambers conference began, lawyers directing convicted.5 Defense know, relating Shanta. request: 45 ". Your Honor, my concern. probably very best middle afternoon day. [W]e good believe prosecutor] client supposedly inmate Sorrells] violent well-known entire area. 46 "If comes want know advance argument. It's absolute dynamite." 1328-1329 47 "were most highly publicized history Tidewater, area." 341. 1984, days reported missing, shares borders slumped car; she times. removed locked died inhaling smoke produced fire compartment. anyone ever murders.6 48 response disclosure request, "statements" allegedly Sorrells. following exchange place Moore Ferguson: 49 "MR. MOORE: Is statement? 50 FERGUSON: Statements your made. 51 Nothing statements? 52 people, that's correct. things." 1331 (emphasis added). 53 ended, Three later, o'clock Thursday afternoon, verdict McClelland. Proceedings adjourned day, begin morning. 54 addition statements, further included: (1) Detective observations bodies discovered; (2) graphic scene, depicting trunk; (3) Doctor conducted victims, causes deaths; (4) victims autopsies, photograph shaved reveal gunshot wounds; (5) Presswalla's autopsy reports. 29-37, 40-47. 55 advanced eve suggested carried "strikingly similar" 347, 176 Like Sorrell, times head; too, burned. explained, obvious sitting box." 141. 56 Friday 6, resumed, evening's developments. learned statements. while rebut "not evidence] shortness notice." 2065. "We try today," 57 prosecutor, distinguishable. There, outstanding defendant, representing [Watkins] already aware charge position confront come [during] trial." 2065-2066. contrast Watkins, out, "[w]e this, [Gray] statements." 2067. ruled "admissible 2068. commenced. keeping representations called stand. he, along negotiations, however, agreed reduce noncapital offense, Tucker's Gray. 339, "triggerman" 59 searching through information" crime. 22. newspaper. 22-23.7 testimony; view, motive adequately exposed 157 (testimony Moore) ("Melvin extensively same jurors drawn pretty accurate strike deal tell anybody anything hear. save life. didn't need again."). 60 Slezak. renewed objection, outside presence jury, admission reiterated "had this," "taken surprise." 25. What "is emphasized, beginning 27. adhered earlier ruling admissible. 61 nothing allowed victims' stand, complicity "triggerman," involvement 346-347. closing arguments, highlighted urged demonstrated "future dangerous[ness]," 51-53, punishment 62 unsuccessfully Amendment. among things, rights. 35. Specifically, asserted: 63 notice, innocence murders." 64 pressed either meritless. found, consistently defaulted." 253. 65 conducting "because phase," 348; consequently, vulnerable scant explain, 349-351. Recalling prosecutor's Monday morning affirmations "statements," noted "clearly justifiably shocked" reported, intention introduce, [Gray's lawyers] challenge," recounted, outset trial: confessed 346. disarmed counsel, recognized, leaving them capacity effectively, result "carrie[d] reliability." 351. 66 consequences "could devastating." Most critically, "statements only" led forgo details collected Chesapeake crimes. ibid. Had review, forensic directly linked murders.8 Moreover, "strongly Timothy Sorrell"-Lisa's husband father-"actually 350-351. Indeed, substantial period prime suspect case.9 Police suspicion focused Mr. night dead. When grim discovery, demeanor officers "highly suspicious." 186.10 68 subsequently apparent Two weeks killed, Sorrells obtained insurance policy, designated beneficiaries 344.11 parents lawsuit obtaining proceeds responsible addition, uncovered suggesting stolen merchandise ring employment, Naval Supply Center, angry unhappy husband's activities." 345.12 Based asked local Attorney prosecute Sorrell." Ibid.13 69 Assessing prejudicial potency trial, harmless. resentencing. 70 reversed. depended which, (1989), collateral review. accordingly 71 announces dictated final." 301 (plurality opinion). 1987, appeal. decided 1987 "dictates" conclusion 72 encompassing, fundamental. Clause, contends, 45; 5. stripped unfairly "ambushed"-clearly devastatingly extensive unequivocal pledge, 342, trial; assurances, spent resources tracking down records switch, altogether unanticipated chance uncover, investigation, defused short, defense. 73 recast transforming cases. 64-65. restates reshapes slices whole pieces; discretely each segment "perceive[s]," ante, 9: 12-13; supposed himself, claimed evidence." 46, 37, accompanying text. basic succumb artificial endeavors divide conquer 74 "new" century ago: "Common justice man condemned person property defence." Baldwin Hale, Wall. 223, (1864). Windsor McVeigh, 93 274, 277 (1876). pro forma do.14 demands "at manner." Armstrong Manzo, 380 552 (1965); Oliver, 257, 275 (1948) (defendant meet him] explanation"); Morgan 304 1, (1938) ("The embraces opposing party them."). Absent "but barren one." Ibid.; Mullane Central Hanover Bank & Trust Co., 339 306, 315 (1950) ("process mere gesture process"). 75 principal confirmed "must Clause." 358 question judge report, counsel. Counsel's deprivation materiality" undisclosed 356, plurality reasoned, manifest risk "some accepted confidence [have been] erroneous, misinterpreted," 359. teaches, unexposed adversary testing qualify reliable. [penalty] imposed, part, 76 Urging fails "dictate" Circuit's reasoning effect: "secrecy"; "surprise." 65. Therefore, extension, application, 30, parlance, 31. impermissible "leap," maintained, equate disclose, made, unfair." 77 straightjacket misunderstands be. according "law prevailing 306 opinion) applying, myriad contexts," settled-here, State. Wright West, 505 277, 309 (1992) (Kennedy, concurring judgment) ("Where point designed evaluating contexts, infrequent yields novel forges precedent."). 78 "forg[e] ibid., holding, Ordinarily, incumbent receiving triable pursue whatever needed introduce. approved Virginia's highest 1-2, expressly delineated himself forgoing inquiry Resource-consuming responsibly determined, unnecessary cast doubt veracity "snitch" offer. 79 undeniably caught short startling announcement, begin, effect "mini-trial" point, possibly preparation counter newly reduced nearly role spectators. Lacking proof, uncovered, suggested" killer, 350-351, mount feeble cross-examination Slezak; inquired highly-publicized prompt crimes, 37-40. autopsies. 47.15 80 sum, shows, genuine debate, "meaningful" fatal infection infects well: effectively "accuracy imposing sentence. 356. Unexposed testing, "debate adversaries," valued system contribution truth-seeking function trials," 360, precluded eve-of-sentencing shift, court's tolerance ignore actualities." Powell Alabama, 287 45, (1932).16 81 reasons stated, vacating rest reverse respectfully decision. dangerousness. record, convictions, violence, armed robbery malicious wounding. revealed restaurant's employees food freezer robbing restaurant, lives persons 353, 179, subclaims object refute consisted 722, 780. described petitioners' "plea prepare." 343. insufficient legal court: unprepared undertake cross-examination, motion forthcoming, made; excluded." (CA4 agree pursuant Peterson 225 289, 302 520 (1983), instructed "preferred practice" known adduced guilty." 298, 526. not, those One aggravating circumstances "there probability commit acts violence constitute continuing threat society." 19.2-264.2 "evidence prior propensity future." 488, 422, 436 (1985). suggested, version implausible. occurred No 1985 containing noted, regard, investigator engaged run driving test indicating "Coleman wife's dinner hour, speculated." sent labs analysis. 344. Asked describe Sorrell's suspicious, testified: "I don't how you expect that. seemed defensive." 186. By contrast, established jewelry (a necklace gold earrings) undisturbed, cash postal money $280.00, 316, perpetrator's motive, 317. Despite pretrial reportedly affidavit longer suspect. 927 (news Virginian-Pilot, Jan. 7, 1986, D1). Cf. Gault, 387 (1967) (notice juvenile delinquency constitutionally inadequate; "be sufficiently afforded"); (1932) (defense appointed lacked investigate case; "[t]o otherwise, actualities"). attaches weight ask explicitly deferral 16. uncontested morning-of-trial episode, "plea[ded] 4-5, explicit dilemma confronting defense: today." suggestion "this [was] court," puzzling. Circuit, Smith Estelle, 602 694, 701, (CA5 1979) ("the points Texas saying moving surprise"), aff'd grounds, 451 454 (1981). question, difficult comprehend speculation "tactical" reasons, time. Tr. Oral Arg. (Counsel asked, "please happening ., violates [client's] existence says, opposed please me time"). featured 16-17, hardly controls case. witness, Furthermore, involve reliability concerns vital. Finally, prejudiced surprise. 561.

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