Document: 482 U.S. 496 107 S.Ct. 2529 96 L.Ed.2d 440 John BOOTH, Petitionerv.MARYLAND. No. 86-5020. Argued March 24, 1987. Decided June 15, Rehearing Denied Sept. 21, See 483 1056, 108 31. Syllabus Having found petitioner guilty of two counts first-degree murder and related crimes, the jury sentenced him to death after considering a presentence report prepared by State Maryland. The included victim impact statement (VIS), as required state statute. VIS was based on interviews with family victims, it provided types information. First, described severe emotional crimes family, personal characteristics victims. Second, set forth members' opinions characterizations petitioner. trial court denied petitioner's motion suppress VIS, rejecting argument that this information irrelevant, unduly inflammatory, therefore violative Eighth Amendment. Maryland Court Appeals affirmed conviction sentence, finding did not inject an arbitrary factor into sentencing decision. concluded serves important interest informing sentencer full measure harm caused crime. Held: introduction at phase capital violates Amendment, statute is invalid extent requires consideration Such irrelevant decision, its admission creates constitutionally unacceptable risk may impose penalty in capricious manner. Pp. 503-509. (a) State's contention presence or absence distress victims' are proper considerations case rejected. In such case, must focus background record accused particular circumstances question be wholly unrelated blameworthiness defendant, cause decision turn factors degree which victim's willing able articulate grief, relative worth character. Thus, evidence could improperly divert jury's attention away from defendant. Moreover, would difficult, if impossible, provide fair opportunity rebut without shifting hearing 503-507. (b) emotionally charged serve no other purpose than inflame deciding relevant concerning crime inconsistent reasoned decisionmaking cases. 508-509. 306 Md. 172, 507 A.2d 1098, vacated part remanded. POWELL, J., delivered opinion Court, BRENNAN, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, JJ., joined. WHITE, filed dissenting opinion, REHNQUIST, C.J., O'CONNOR SCALIA, joined, post, p. ----. WHITE O'CONNOR, George E. Burns, Jr., Baltimore, Md., for Charles O. Monk, II, respondent. Justice POWELL Court. 1 presented whether Constitution prohibits "victim statement" during trial. 2 * 1983, Irvin Bronstein, 78, his wife Rose, 75, were robbed murdered their West Baltimore home. murderers, Booth Willie Reid, entered home apparent stealing money buy heroin. Booth, neighbor Bronsteins, knew elderly couple identify him. victims bound gagged, then stabbed repeatedly chest kitchen knife. bodies discovered days later Bronsteins' son. 3 A murder, robbery, conspiracy commit robbery.1 prosecution requested penalty, elected have sentence determined instead judge. Md.Ann.Code, Art. 27, § 413(b) (1982). Before began, Division Parole Probation (DPP) compiled Booth's background, education employment history, criminal record. Under statute, all felony cases2 also include describing effect family. 41, 4-609(c) (1986). Specifically, shall: 4 "(i) Identify offense; 5 "(ii) Itemize any economic loss suffered result "(iii) physical injury offense along seriousness permanence; 6 "(iv) Describe change welfare familial relationships 7 "(v) request psychological services initiated 8 "(vi) Contain upon requires." 4-609(c)(3). 9 Although DPP, supplied §§ 4-609(c)(4), (d). read phase, members called testify 10 son, daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter. Many comments emphasized outstanding qualities, noted how deeply Bronsteins missed.3 Other parts problems faced crimes. example, said he suffers lack sleep depression, "fearful first time life." App. 61. He parents "butchered like animals." Ibid. daughter she sleep, since murders has become withdrawn distrustful. She stated can longer watch violent movies look knives being reminded murders. forgive murderer, person "[n]ever rehabilitated." Id., 62. Finally, granddaughter deaths had ruined wedding another close member took place few discovered. Both ceremony reception sad affairs, leaving her honeymoon, bride attended funeral. received counseling several months incident, but eventually stopped because "no one help her." 63. 11 DPP official who conducted writing: 12 "It became increasingly writer talked Mr. Mrs. Bronstein still shocking, painful, devastating memory them permeates every aspect daily lives. It doubtful they will ever fully recover tragedy haunted brutal manner loved ones taken them." 63-64.4 13 Defense counsel moved ground both use violated Amendment Federal Constitution.5 motion, ruling entitled consider "any bear [sentencing decision]." 6. lawyer prosecutor simply rather call before jury. concerned live witnesses increase inflammatory agreed arrangement. 14 life imprisonment Bronstein. On automatic appeal, sentences. 1098 rejected claim injected considered Lodowski v. State, 302 691, 490 1228 (1985), grounds, 475 1078, 106 1452, 89 711 (1986), examined "relatively straightforward factual description effects these family." 223, A.2d, 1124. held been imposed under influence passion, prejudice, factors. 414(e)(1) 15 We granted certiorari decide evidence. 479 882, 269, 93 246 conclude does, now reverse. II 16 well settled discretion "suitably directed limited so minimize action." Gregg Georgia, 428 153, 189, 2909, 2932, 49 859 (1976) (joint Stewart, JJ.); California Ramos, 463 992, 999, 103 3446, 3452, 77 1171 (1983). normally defer legislature's determination what places some limits discretion. See, e.g., id., 1000-1001, 3452-3453. we make "individualized determination" defendant should executed, "the character individual crime." Zant Stephens, 462 862, 879, 2733, 2743, 235 (1983) (emphasis original). Eddings Oklahoma, 455 104, 112, 102 869, 875, 71 And while never defendant's record, characteristics, only permissible considerations, scrutinized ensure bearing "personal responsibility moral guilt." Enmund Florida, 458 782, 801, 3368, 3378, 73 1140 To do otherwise create "constitutionally impermissible totally process." supra, 885, 2747. 17 For reasons below, find A. 18 greater devoted trauma claims "circumstance" reveals actions. view, there direct, foreseeable nexus between thus "arbitrary" consequences penalty. impact" aggravating law,6 knowing severity better assess " 'gravity quality' offense. Brief Respondent 21 (quoting 741-742, 1254). 19 While range actions civil contexts, cannot agree unique circumstance hearing. function "express conscience community ultimate death." Witherspoon Illinois, 391 510, 519, 88 1770, 1775, 20 776 (1968). When carrying out task "uniquely human bein[g]." Woodson North Carolina, 280, 304, 2978, 2990, 944 (plurality JJ.). however, reputation These As our cases shown, often know victim, knowledge about existence defendants rarely select anyone murdered.7 Allowing rely imposing unaware, kill. This true certain contained known committed recognized, probable culpability significant Tison Arizona, 481 137, 157-158, 1676, ----, 95 127 (1987). nevertheless nature made evidenced text see Appendix persuasive expressing grief loss. But leave behind less feelings even though sense equally severe. fact imposition distinctions illustrates danger allowing juries Certainly express merit die. 233, 1129 (Cole, concurring part) (concluding decisions "which vary greatly depending ability grief"). 22 Nor justification permitting perception sterling someone questionable character.8 type does "principled way distinguish [cases] imposed, many not." Godfrey 446 420, 433, 100 1759, 1767, 64 398 (1980) (opinion J.). Skipper South 476 1, 14-15, 1669, 90 (1986) (POWELL, judgment). 23 note difficult—if impossible—to threshold problem easily susceptible rebuttal. Presumably right cross-examine declarants, show exaggerated sleeplessness, suffered. permitted introduce qualities,9 doubted given chance Gardner 430 349, 362, 97 1197, 1206, 51 393 (1977) J.) (due process report). Ann. Code, 413(c)(v) Putting aside strategic risks attacking jury, appropriate presumably put dubious character, unpopular, ostracized prospect "mini-trial" more unappealing; distract task—determining light reject case.10 B 24 second animals," "doesn't think something get it." Bronstein's 25 "could killing [her parents] way. can't believe anybody someone. states animals wouldn't this. [The perpetrators] didn't kill stop looting. . viciousness killers' anger. doesn't feel people rehabilitated want again through this." 26 One understand anger doubt jurors generally aware feelings. formal presentation noted, "be, appear be, reason caprice emotion." 358, S.Ct., 1204 conclusions draw clearly require cases.11 III 27 information.12 sentence. remanded further proceedings opinion. 28 ordered. 29 APPENDIX TO OPINION OF THE COURT "VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT 30 Victim Impact Statement Probation. n. 2, supra.] 31 "Mr. interviewed purposes Statement. There four grandchildren son reports married fifty-three years enjoyed very relationship, spending each day together. father worked hard retired eight years. describes mother woman young heart seemed old lady. taught herself play bridge when seventies. relates amazing senior citizens' center devout friends. indicates parents, day. spent lots them. 32 "The saw alive last May 18th. They having lawn manicured excited onset spring. phone evening answer. arrangements pick up 20th. ushers granddaughter's going tuxedos. arrived house 20th noticed parents' car wasn't there. told hadn't seen wrong. went murdered. sister crying come over terrible happened dead. 33 recalls house, police officers television crews everywhere. felt numb cold. allowed go neighbor's reporters everywhere older happened. husband tell younger later. 34 just telephoned grandparents After turned heard news it. children learned reports. 35 "Since Jewish religion dictates birth marriage death, proceed 22nd. looking forward eagerly, occasion crying. reception, lasted hours, brief. next day, grandparents' funerals. usher wedding, remember coming funeral granddaughter, hand, vividly remembers detail following death. Perhaps most eloquently completely altering experience. 36 context fear horror. 4:00 p.m. stands mind. always comes near clock. wakes a.m. morning. sleep. unable drive streets pass avoids driving past father's favorite restaurant, supermarket where shopped, etc. constantly parents. sees synagogues, car, feels whenever people. killed, butchered animals. angry wishes depressed time. fearful life, putting lights checking locks frequently. His scared health. times At same takes approach whereabouts children. calls frightened own reaction hurt member. he'll again. 37 eat dinner three discovery bodies. cried together cries single night thinks died too killed. much joy anything powers concentration aren't good. brain overload. clean weeks. bloody carpet, there, getting down rug holding mother. wonders they're ordinary noticeably work making effort outgoing. notes tired night, tendency fall asleep attends social events parties symphony. wherever goes hears happens stabbings tolerate reminder violence. used trusting, longer. doorbell rings tells answer suspicious before. 38 co-defendant represent exact details listen medical examiner's report. point, mind blocked Her anything. lives 39 unless you experience feels. You shock depression sets in. rage. dwells image thinking grandparents. hysterical dead road. neighborhood house. panic late work. avid reader mysteries, off radio T.V. violence hit gets newspaper reads comics throws rest away. small everyday things haunt will. counselor her. 40 whole thing too. anniversary bittersweet tainted year quietly town. finds sister's pictures. picture grandparents, painful 41 trials suspects offenses delayed postponements emotionally. keeps seeing removing constant wants swift punishment. 42 "As members, loving whose Their largest history Levinson Funeral Home thousand sympathy cards, total strangers. attempted card personally. extremely good fly. Because loss, void strain through. 59-64. 43 whom CHIEF JUSTICE, SCALIA join, dissenting. 44 "[T]he punishment sanction extreme expression community's belief themselves grievous affront humanity adequate response 184, 2930, victims; injured, kind difficult imagine those shared similar Maryland's legislature decided testimony order assist weighing corresponding inflicted. judgment deference; determinations 'peculiarly questions legislative policy,' 176, 2926 Gore United States, 357 386, 393, 78 1280, 1284, 1405 (1958)), recognize '[i]n democratic society legislatures, courts, constituted respond consequently values people,' U.S., 175, Furman 408 238, 383, 92 2726, 2800, 346 (1972) (Burger, dissenting)). I "cruel unusual" unconstitutional statements hearings. 45 Court's premises murderer causes general reflect blameworthiness, jurors, favorably appreciate caused, including nothing aberrant juror's inclination hold accountable internal disposition committing caused; persons agree, drove recklessly stoplight unintentionally killed pedestrian merits significantly hit. am confident overturn reckless homicide automobile merely exceeded maximum driving; hope judge mentioned, father. enhanced noncapital basis irrespective offender's specific intention harm,1 fail why If anything, particularly hearings: legitimate counteracting mitigating in, see, (1982), reminding individual, represents 46 "troubled implication assets deserving perceived worthy," declares "our system justice distinctions." Ante, 506, 8. encourage race determining appropriate. Cf. McCleskey Kemp, 279, 1756, 262 cannot, chooses, particularized individual's society2 might showing encouraged this, nor lightly presume misconduct part. supra. 47 reliance alleged arbitrariness differing families makeweight consideration: No prosecutors exactly present arguments jury; communicate facts; requirement reduced lowest common denominator. 48 supposed arising rebuttal speculative unconnected facts case. statement, wise regard. Petitioner introduced evidence, probably considered, wisely, best so.3 bottom, view seems somehow unfair confront account deliberate act society. share unwilling States matters differently. concern "inflame jury," ante, 508, large survivors suffer issue punishment—a already expressed my disagreement. determines inappropriate allow on, rehabilitated, obviously inherent fault declare practice admitting hearings per se unconstitutional. respectfully dissent. 50 holds 'punishment different sanctions,' 509, 303-304, 2990-2991, JJ.)), 'personal guilt' eligible receive it, 502, (1982)). me, however—and, think, mankind—that amount responsibility." take license driver 60 miles hour residential street; jail manslaughter if, guilt greater, unlucky enough escapade. 52 Nor, despite says today, depart principle concerned. explain eligibility (and ) guilt. bank robber aims gun guard, pulls trigger, kills target, unexpectedly misfires, not. identical, former greater. Less ago, brothers planned assisted escape prison course accomplice Had live, death; kill, may. difference matter "wholly the[ir] blameworthiness." 504. responsibility, i.e., caused. sum, rests—that solely guilt—does exist, neither Constitution, historic practices society, 53 Recent outpouring popular "victims' rights"—a phrase proponents failure courts guilt, innocent citizens one-sided hence unjust parade pressures beyond normal crime, lay authority reality suffering produced—which alone) deems worthy prescribed sentiments sufficiently temper mercy, processes free people, decrees answer, field elsewhere. 54 require, have, render harsh placed authority, simultaneously requiring, inflicted suppressed, prescribe debate appropriateness side muted. constitutional, is, me remotely permit pros cons heard. accomplice, convicted principal currently review. Reid 305 9, 501 436 (1985). enacted unclear admissible 4-609(c)(2)(i) (VIS injury, whereas misdemeanor, ); 761, 1228, 1264 (1985) concurring), General Assembly amended provision that: "In investigation, shall completed Probation, separate proceeding conducted. ." 4-609(d) stated: friends." 59. strangers." complete reprinted provides: "Excessive bail required, excessive fines cruel unusual punishments inflicted." prohibitions apply Due Process Clause Fourteenth Robinson California, 370 660, 666, 82 1417, 1420, 758 (1962). least present: "(1) law enforcement officer performance duties. "(2) confined correctional institution. "(3) furtherance attempt evade lawful custody, arrest, detention guard institution officer. "(4) kidnapping abduction, kidnap abduct. "(5) child abducted violation article. "(6) pursuant agreement contract remuneration promise murder. "(7) engaged employed remuneration. "(8) life. "(9) incident. "(10) attempting arson, rape, sexual degree." 413(d) (1982 Supp.1986). statutorily defined circumstance, sufficient, standing alone, support 413(f). noted: "We obvious level depends fortuitous composition control. choose, decline, premeditate, callously, attack vulnerable probation, amass offenses. contrast, irredeemably bereaved attributable commission place. bereavement damages action, relationship case." People Levitt, 156 Cal.App.3d 500, 516-517, 203 Cal.Rptr. 276, 287-288 (1984). troubled worthy. Of course, distinctions. 242, 2728, (Douglas, concurring). 3, expressly status VIS. Appeals, apparently establishes minimum provided. Consideration subject judge's 811, 820-821, 1289, 1294 admitted interview part: "[The victim] perfect person, miracle man him—we special. created love withstand wife, 766, 1266 concurring) proscribed, determination. 751, 752, 1259. Our disapproval mean, context. Similar relate directly Facts non-capital offered Fed.Rule Evid. 404(a)(2) (prosecution peaceable charge aggressor). judge, continues primary admissible, probative value outweighs prejudicial effect. 403. summary written viewed representing views State. 4, "shocking, devast[at]ing" "[i]t recover." 63-64. note, today guided "punishment sanctions," 305, JJ.), inform liability determinations. reflecting system. National Organization Assistance, Rights Services: Legislative Directory 32-33 (chart); McLeod, Participation Sentencing, Crim.L.Bull. 501, 507, Congress participation federal Crim.Proc. 32(c)(2)(C). imply considers consideration. Rule Criminal Procedure 32(c)(2) "information harm, financial, social, psychological, done indicate offender lacked intent harm. Feola, 420 671, 1255, 541 (1975) (conviction U.S.C. 111 assaulting proof status). means suggest constitutional impediment, authorizing assassination President Vice President, 1751, 1111, Congressman, Cabinet official, Supreme Justice, head executive department, 351, policeman active duty, 413(d)(1) possibility distracted purely hypothetical, distracting (as opposed offending) disadvantage why, pressing complain tactical decisions.

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