Document: 497 U.S. 227 110 S.Ct. 2822 111 L.Ed.2d 193 Robert SAWYER, Petitioner,v.Larry SMITH, Interim Warden. No. 89-5809. Argued April 25, 1990. Decided June 21, Rehearing Denied Aug. 30, See 1051, 17. Syllabus Petitioner Sawyer's conviction and death sentence for a brutal murder became final in 1984. The Federal District Court denied his habeas corpus petition, which was based relevant part on the argument that prosecutor's closing during penalty phase of trial diminished jury's sense responsibility capital sentencing decision, violation this Court's 1985 decision Caldwell v. Mississippi, 472 320, 105 2633, 86 231. While appeal denial relief pending, decided Teague Lane, 489 288, 109 1060, 103 334, under new rule constitutional law established after petitioner's has become may not be used to attack federal unless (1) places an entire category primary conduct beyond reach criminal law, id., at 311, S.Ct., 1075, or prohibits imposition certain type punishment class defendants because their status offense, see Penry Lynaugh, 492 302, 330, 2934, 2953, 106 256, (2) applies watershed procedure enhances accuracy is necessary fundamental fairness proceeding, U.S., 312-313, 1076. Appeals affirmed relief, holding announced within meaning did fall Teague's second exception. Held: entitled rule, as defined by Teague, does come either exceptions. Pp. 233-245. (a) Caldwell's result dictated Eighth Amendment precedent existing time final. No case prior invalidated prosecutorial impermissible Amendment. discussion improper comment Donnelly DeChristoforo, 416 637, 94 1868, 40 431, noncapital case, Due Process Clause's guarantees fairness, Amendment's more particular reliability. Eddings Oklahoma, 455 104, 102 869, 71 1; Lockett Ohio, 438 586, 98 2954, 57 973; Gardner Florida, 430 349, 97 1197, 51 393; Woodson North Carolina, 428 280, 96 2978, 49 944, earlier cases, spoke general issue reliability but Caldwell, would meaningless if applied such level generality. In 1984, from state court's point view, there were indications requirement, California Ramos, 463 992, 3446, 77 1171; Maggio Williams, 464 46, 104 78 43, some doubt view concerning major premise misleading might cause bias favor sentences, Dobbert 432 282, 294, n. 7, 2290, 2298-2299, 53 344. It cannot said cases anticipating when they prohibited similar statements, decisions purport construe Reliance these misapprehends function serves ensure convictions comport with becomes To extent post-Caldwell Louisiana reflect state-court recognition principles pointed toward adoption congruent pre-existing serve show precedents, since courts can expected apply are susceptible debate among reasonable minds. Petitioner's have provided protection against had been compelled do so threat review premised skepticism declines endorse. 233-241. (b) first exception no applicability here. should read include rules preserve judgments looks only half exception's definition. qualify must improve trial; it also essential proceeding. There limit recast suggested petitioner, almost all jurisprudence directed enhancement sense. systemic designed sentencing. However, measure error context added already due process guarantee afforded Donnelly, supra. "[T]he who need rely rather than those concede harmful render 'fundamentally unfair.' " 881 F.2d 1273, 1293. Thus, absolute prerequisite Cf., e.g., Dugger Adams, 401, 1211, 435. 241-245. (CA5 1989) affirmed. KENNEDY, J., delivered opinion Court, REHNQUIST, C.J., WHITE, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, JJ., joined. MARSHALL, filed dissenting opinion, BRENNAN, joined, BLACKMUN, joined Parts I, II, III, IV, STEVENS, post, p. 245. Catherine Hancock, New Orleans, La., petitioner. Dorothy A. Pendergast, Gretna, respondent. Justice KENNEDY Court. 1 We decide whether prisoner whose before our 231 (1985), use challenge action. hold he cannot, 334 (1989), integrity 2 * Over 10 years ago, petitioner Sawyer murdered Frances Arwood, visitor Louisiana, residence shared girlfriend, Cynthia Shano. On September 29, 1979, accomplice Charles Lane arrived night drinking. They argued Arwood accused her giving drugs Shano's children. For reasons clear, struck repeatedly fists dragged hair into bathroom. stripped victim naked, literally kicked bathtub, subjected scalding, dunkings, additional beatings. left guard victim, apparently rape her, while went kitchen boil water scald her. chest, causing head strike tub windowsill rendering unconscious. pair then living room, where continued beat kick poured lighter fluid unconscious particularly torso genital area, set afire. He told done "just how cruel could be." further brutalities we recount. later died injuries. 3 convicted sentenced crime jury 1980. At remarks made prosecutor trial. stated, discussing proof aggravating circumstances law: 4 "The provides you find one what doing juror, yourself will electric chair. What saying people Parish, any appellate court, Supreme State, possibly United States, fact finding body facts evidence heard relationship man's statute, State Legislature deserves penalty. merely recommendation try may, Mr. Weidner tells each every I hope live your conscience play upon emotions, deny, difficult decision. likes make realize actions, life live, own free choosing, wouldn't here presenting making you. You decision." Tr. 982. 5 After emphasizing nature jury: 6 "There really whole lot hasn't done. hands. going take initial step man, Judges day, agree tolerate individual commit heinous atrocious degrade fellow human being without authority impact, full impact Louisiana. All man actions prosecuted fullest law. less." Id., 984. 7 Finally, emphasized again reviewed decisionmakers: 8 "It's [you're] doing. Don't feel otherwise. like one, very easy defense lawyers pulling switch. That so. wrong believe me, me others behind say ask courage convictions." 985. 9 sentence. Sawyer, 422 So.2d 95 (1982). This granted certiorari remanded instructions reconsider its light Zant Stephens, 462 862, 2733, 235 (1983). 1223, 3567, 1407 reaffirmed remand, 442 1136 His 2, certiorari, 466 931, 1719, 80 191. sought collateral denied. Maggio, 479 360 (La.1985); 480 313 (La.1985). petition now us, raising host claims. Relevant claim violated States Constitution diminishing (1985). over year 11 concluding different character probability absence comments. A divided panel Fifth Circuit 848 582 (1988). held "a far cry Caldwell," large judicial approval 596. Following rehearing en banc. 606. 12 banc court oral argument, plurality falls two narrow requested supplemental briefing parties question barred Caldwell. Accordingly, relief. 1273 (1989). 13 493 1042, 835, 107 830 (1990), resolve conflict Courts Appeals, Hopkinson Shillinger, 888 1286 (CA10 1989), affirm. II 14 address whether, relying claims benefit Teague. sentencer led false belief determining appropriateness defendant's rests elsewhere. 328-329, 2639-2640; 342, 2646 (opinion J.). determined information produce "substantial unreliability well sentences." 2640. 15 outset note dispute even applies, support case. emphasizes judge unlike 339, 2644-2645, approve less likely mislead. Petitioner, other hand, contends cured judge's jury. significant questions merits facts, application presented itself involve Rather, available ground seek Cf. 408, 4, 1216, 435 (1989) (merit immaterial disposition procedural bar grounds). 16 Our precedents preceded convinces us purposes accord addressed question. Clark Dugger, 901 908 (CA11 1990); "validat[e] reasonable, good-faith interpretations though shown contrary decisions." Butler McKellar, 494 407, 414, 1212, 1217, 108 347 (1990). "dictated final." supra, 301, 1070 (plurality opinion). principle gradual developments jurists disagree upset finality valid entered. purpose comply existence final, provide mechanism continuing reexamination emerging legal doctrine. 17 course, clean slate. As recognized, 431 (1974). stated "so infec[t] unfairness resulting process." 643, l871. pervasive took occasion warn "holding unfair violation." 338, 2644. case; noting forth Clause reversed vacating comments "potentially" misleading, 641, 1870, found reliable required proceeding created "unacceptable risk 'the [may been] meted out arbitrarily capriciously,' 343, 2647 18 Examination authorities shows relied (1982); 973 (1978) opinion); 393 (1977) 944 (1976) opinion), result. cited proposition reliability, carried jurors characteristics criminal, task serious one. too, cites "rooted" command sentencing, "[b]y analogy" lead predictable Brief 16. 19 lent conclusion reached But neither fact, nor contention "would development law," 8, suffices rule. test Anderson Creighton, 483 635, 639, 3034, 3039, 523 (1987) ("[I]f 'clearly law' generality, . [p]laintiffs able convert qualified immunity plainly establish virtually unqualified liability simply alleging extremely abstract rights"). 20 statutory schemes imposed prohibition consideration mitigating sentencer. statute providing mandatory defendant notice opportunity respond. These speak Saffle Parks, 484, 491, 1257, 1261, 415 here: "Even [petitioner's] assertion inform, control govern, analysis claim, follow compel [petitioner] seeks." Certainly seen three Justices "lack authority" approach taken there. 350, 2650 (REHNQUIST, dissenting). 21 From considering Saffle, 488, 1260, requirement previous comment, rejected claim. 1171 Indeed, Mississippi dissent Ramos stood "states mention matter review." 443 806, 813 characterization proved incorrect. nonetheless suggests put 22 43 (1983), direct described Williams vacated stay execution STEVENS' concurring judgment length 53-54, 315-316, however, prisoner's statements "warrant[ed] little discussion." 49, 313. Although failure raise "inexcusable," noted given "full consideration" "standard 637 [94 431] (1974)," "did Williams' fundamentally unfair." 49-50, concluded describing raised "insubstantial." 52, 315. represent rejection think viewing 23 that, reason "bias least "some suggestion," 409, tending diminish skew leniency 2299, 344 (Florida's change system verdict advisory defendants, "may chosen knew [the sentencing] rested ultimately shoulders judge, followed same course vote final"). 24 reliance numerous conviction, violate See, Ward Commonwealth, 695 S.W.2d 404, 408 (Ky.1985); Ice 667 671, 676 (Ky.), cert. denied, 469 U. S. 860, 192, 83 125 (1984); Wiley 449 756, 762 (Miss.1984), 906, 304, 93 278 (1986); 445 798, 811-812 1117, 803, 795 (1985); Robinson, 421 229, 233-234 (La.1982); Willie, 410 1019, 1033-1035 (La.1982), 465 1327, 79 723 Jones, 296 N.C. 495, 501-502, 251 S.E.2d 425, 427-429 (1979); Gilbert, 273 S.C. 690, 696-698, 258 890, 894 Tyner, 646, 659-660, 559, 566 Hawes 240 Ga. 327, 334-335, 833, 839 (1977); Fleming 142, 145-146, 37, (1977), 444 885, 100 177, 62 115 White, 286 395, 403-404, 211 445, 450 (1975); Prevatte 233 929, 932-933, 214 365, 367-368 Hines, 377, 381-386, 201, 204-207 (1975). argues anticipated interest retroactive overturn decided. 25 flaw "the availability Constitution." 1216-1217. arguable exception, moreover, common-law prohibiting review; condemn employed state-law adopted old corpus. said, 'relevant frame reference' inquiry 'is [defendant] seeks, instead writ available.' 306, 1073 opinion) (quoting Mackey 401 667, 682, 91 1160, 1174-1175, 28 404 (1971)). 26 points out, many responsibility. 11; 333-334, 2641-2642, 4. true looked legislatures inform analysis. attempt untenable. Under both substantive content and, simultaneous effect, impose standards back themselves effect. inconsistent citation 329-330, 2952-2953, 256 Ford Wainwright, 477 399, 2595, 335 (1986), common majority 408-409, 2601-2602, example 27 One disapproving discuss solely Even reference possibility pardon. Its review, here, referred rules. 1033, 723. cite interchangeably, State. Smith, 554 676, 685 (La.1989); Clark, 870-871 (La.1986); ex rel. Busby Butler, 538 164, 173 (La.1988). precedent. engage "susceptible minds." 415, 1217. appears contend recognize protections review. Since recognized Caldwell's, goes, decline coequal parts national give attention responsibilities enforcing commands Constitution. surprising courts, applying seeking fair administration care exclude comment. conscientious exercise powers supervision dictate III 29 proceedings "one exceptions." 486, 1257. place 1075 prohibit Penry, 1086. "watershed procedure" 1263; 311-313, 1075-1077 challenges Appeals' 30 "preserve judgments." 30. definition Acceptance return broad Harlan proposed Desist, abandoned Mackey, "significantly fact-finding procedures retroactively habeas." Desist 394 244, 262, 89 1030, 1041, 248 (1969). modified Harlan's combine element limitation fairness. thus enough aimed improving More required. qualifies accuracy, 'alter understanding bedrock elements' 1076 693, 1180). 31 scope exceptions consistent "[a]pplication seriously undermines operation justice system." 309, 1074 (citing Friendly, Is Innocence Irrelevant? Collateral Attacks Criminal Judgments, 38 U.Chi.L.Rev. 150 (1970)). "costs State[s] generally outweigh benefits application." Solem Stumes, 638, 654, ,S.Ct. 1338, 1347, 579 (1984) Powell, process, "unlikely components basic yet emerge." 313, 1077 32 cast sufficiently "fundamental" counsel unable single example. Oral Arg. practical asks overrule do. 33 appeal, protect unfair. always open showing Donnelly. 410, 1217 (defendant occurred "could challenged process. (1974) "); 313-314 (discussing sentencing). contested standard. And stated: F.2d, 34 Rather focusing prejudice violation, concern risk" affect therefore error, special Darden 168, 183-184, 14, 2464, 2472-2473, 144 (1986). value charged reviewing proceedings. unfairness, enhancing "absolute fairness," 314, 1077, 's 35 Discussions contexts conclusion. consider "fundamental miscarriage justice" doctrine default. 412, 6, 6; Murray Carrier, 478, 2639, 397 dissent's essence determination unconstitutionally undermined." 6. Similarly, STEVENS Caldwell-type stating: "I Rose Lundy, [455 509], 543, [102 1198, 1216 379 (1982) ] (STEVENS, dissenting)." 56, 317. involved contexts. Yet rationale reflects represents 36 Because seeks exceptions, merit. 37 Affirmed. whom BRENNAN joins, BLACKMUN joins I-IV, I-III, dissenting. 39 trial, emphatically "merely recommendation" "others" correct turned "wrong." misrepresented sentences La.Code Crim.Proc.Ann., Art. 905.9 (West 1984) (review limited "excessive"). effort minimize precisely condemned "fundamentally incompatible heightened 'need appropriate punishment.' 340, 2645 305, 2991, opinion)). refuses merits. Instead, holds "new" ante, 234, 'watershed rul[e] procedure' 241 1264, (1990)). result, misrepresents source § prohibitions, thereby newly crafted retroactivity legitimate obtained through intentional misconduct. dissent. 41 declared announces "if 1070. Term, 'new rule' validates Accord, 1260 1217). continue regard curtail Congress' intent prisoners redress "unlawful deprivations liberty interests fresh Article court." 427, 1224 (BRENNAN, majority's standard, though, answer minds," "compelled" announce circumstances, invoke. 42 "new rule" spelled Parks confirms create roots traced directly demanding supra 118-119, 878-879, (O'CONNOR, concurring). Woodson, Lockett, Eddings, considered States' efforts Furman Georgia, 238, 92 2726, 346 (1972), eliminate arbitrariness limiting withdrawing sentencer's discretion. decisions, post-Furman upheld schemes, see, Gregg 153, 2909, 859 (1976); Proffitt 242, 2960, 913 Jurek Texas, 2950, 929 (1976), sentencers confront "truly awesome decreeing consequences 598, 2961 (internal quotation marks omitted). By "this ha[d] specific die hands State." 329, insists "principle sentencing" framed high "level generality" treating "meaningless." Ante, 236. ignores centrality affects just factors, decision-making itself. When misleadingly corrected invites shirk essentially informs important occur independent higher authorities. "focused, unambiguous, strong," 2645, misconduct casts irredeemable verdict. 44 Some contribute reliability; rules, too apt. example, Batson Kentucky, 476 79, 1712, 90 69 exercising peremptory racially discriminatory manner accuracy—as opposed integrity—of Allen Hardy, 478 255, 259, 2878, 2880, 199 Not right counsel, understands gravity vindication guarantees. Meticulous presentation careful instruction minimal consequence. observation undermine insistence B 45 "there Amendment," 237, unsupported relies. California's instruct juries about Governor's power commute sentences. rejecting challenge, accurate. distinguished down contained presentence report disclosed counsel. Unlike Gardner, "risk [relied [have] be[en] erroneous," 359, 1205 rest "in erroneous inaccurate information." 1004, 3455. ibid. (the "need require reversal gave "accurate information"). judgment) ("In my 'valid penological interest' imparting minimizes importance deliberations case") 336, 2643 (majority accurate respecting commutation reasonably 46 erroneously broadly not, argues, "sugges[t] result." 237. misconstrue notwithstanding clarity, McKoy 433, 439-441, 1227, 1231-1233, 369 (1990) (state failed adhere clear direction Mills Maryland, 486 367, 1860, 384 (1988)), mere adopts position confirm unclear. seldom issues lower universal agreement. Moreover, misconstruing simultaneously 240. 47 Ironically, regards errant uncertainty dismisses irrelevant near-unanimous arguments (collecting cases). "[a]ny distorts solemn obligation error." Hill 439 (1983) (refusing contemporaneous objection). "draw[s] evolving decency mark progress maturing society," Trop Dulles, 356 86, 101, 590, 630 (1958) often laws barometer contemporary values, 330-331, (1989); 2601, Of translate automatically protection. consensus regarding ingredient phase," Berry, 391 406, 418 (La.1980) rehearing), cognizable strong pre-Caldwell condemnation 48 "state 239, assumes evolved independently decisions. procedures—even explicitly law—are surely informed accorded weight discerning protections. Only especially condescending federalism dismissing lineage law.1 C (1974), supports hinted willing accept lesser crime, implicitly suggesting acknowledged guilt. ambiguous, fleeting influenced 643-645, 1871-1872. specifically confined implicate "specific Bill Rights." 1871. Had implicated rights, "special care" "to assure way impermissibly infringe[d] them." Ibid. 50 explicit following affords facing decade unmistakably penalty's qualitatively punishments necessitates corresponding difference case." 2991 Beck Alabama, 447 625, 637-638, 2382, 2389-2390, 65 392 (1980) 357-358, 1204-1205 indicated unambiguously protects arbitrary capricious manner. Gregg, 188, 2932 (joint Stewart, JJ.); 605, 2965 repeated emphasis indispensable safeguards guaranteed provision Rights, faced role basis survive scrutiny. misunderstanding between endorses Circuit's '[t]he ' 243-244 1293 (1989)). "an sentencing." 244. presumes denies, mislead ever deemed harmless. strong, uncorrected, unequivocal minimizing "presents intolerable danger choose role." 333, 2642. misled violates well. 52 "direct evidence" likewise unconvincing. entry contentions alleged, inter alia, "elicited passion reason." Some, all, 315-316 judgment). motion vacate came sole probability" four Members grant certiorari. 48, unsuccessful secure claims, strict standard review" application. 55, 316 consideration," "that unfair," 50, vacation posture, "warrant plenary consideration." 313.2 sum, rule," "without likelihood [verdict] diminished," devastating diminishes jurors' revealed condemning argument. 146, (holding remark unusual potential corrupting process"); So.2d, ("If conveys message lessened contains information, phase, vacated"); (Ky.1985) clearly divert minds implying ultimate [or] courts. reversible magnitude"); ("Any error. [I]n never comfort will, be, corrected"); (Miss.1984) ("While hangman,' [sic] supply hangman's victims. notions individuals, body, appreciate role"). 54 underestimation defect discussed above, 252-253, namely, unfair.3 vague suggestion proceedings," disguise inability identify, concrete terms, situation occurs fair. 341, "does meet requires"). 55 Nor object suffered sufficient justify overlooking bar. 1214-1215. largely State's "interest having faulty timely misstatement." 1216; Wainwright Sykes, 433 72, 87, 2497, 2506, 594 (1977). stringent excusing defaults dual notion absent exceptional bound tactical competent flout turn around refuge conduct." Reed Ross, 468 1, 13, 2901, 82 (citations 56 stake cases. focuses unobserved. Whereas necessity overlook default "probably resulted actually innocent," 1218, interest—unique default—in correcting instance. 88-90, 2507-2508. "it 'unlikely [new rules] [essential fairness] emerge.' 243 bind future present understandings Hurtado California, 516, 530-531, 111, L.Ed. 232 (1884). rightly statement expression hubris discover volume Reports 100, time, incidentally, "[i]n history, experience, limitations knowledge," committing untrammeled discretion pronounce offensive anything McGautha 402 183, 207, 1454, 1467, 711 (1971) (footnote omitted); cf. 189, JJ.) ("Furman mandates grave spared, suitably wholly action"). discovered central squarely methodology, "bedrock" emerge societal experience. Coker 584, 593-597, 2861, 2866-2869, 982 58 refusal allow reveals progeny unjustifiably accuracy-enhancing Prior primarily deterring police promote former retroactively, Linkletter Walker, 381 618, 636-637, 85 1731, 1741-1742, 601 (1965), routinely [whose purpose] overcome aspect substantially impairs truth-finding raises guilty verdicts past trials." 653, 1148, 1152, 388 departed favoring undermined substantial enforcement officials prosecutors acted good faith Stovall Denno, 293, 87 1967, 1199 (1967). 59 legitimacy proscribed Caldwell—misleading respondent seems much, framing interest, convictions, "misleading process" Respondent purported depends Clause. 257. granting distinction degree scrutiny claimed hardly worth crediting. 60 Before today, alone preclude rights habeas. 15, 2910. itself, departing traditional approach. contributing meaningfully 315, 1078 (failure "seriously obtaining conviction"); 416, 1218 determination—indeed, increase likelihood"); 1264 ("The objectives threatened promoted" rule); 244 (acknowledging enhance sentencing"). Those doctrine, weighed protected 61 balancing competing concerns today. elevates preference commitment forum extending maximum," Fay Noia, 372 391, 426, 822, 842, 837 (1963). raw unjustified. undoubtedly possesses demands justice. IV deliberately significance apparent another indication concerned safeguarding speeding deserving executioner. V 63 punishment. 231, 2973 (MARSHALL, 2952, 1070, crafting assessing Neither opinions Ford, force conclusions subsequent determine invoked 490-491, ---- decisions). disprove rootedness right. views casting (1985) "very argument] Caldwell." position, overbroad. tantamount role. King, 573 F.Supp. 525, 530-531 (M.D.La.1983). prohibitions vital tension affected incremental (stating "additional "). "old" extensive demonstrate "additional" marked departure jurisprudence, disingenuous amount much.

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