Document: 497 U.S. 764 110 S.Ct. 3092 111 L.Ed.2d 606 Samuel A. LEWIS, Director, Arizona Department of Corrections, et al., Petitioners,v.Jimmie Wayne JEFFERS. No. 89-189. Argued Feb. 21, 1990. Decided June 27, Rehearing Denied Aug. 30, See 1050, 14. Syllabus In affirming respondent Jeffers' first-degree murder conviction and death sentence, the Supreme Court, inter alia, independently reviewed evidence supporting trial court's finding statutory aggravating circumstance that crime was committed "in an especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner." The court noted its recent ruling infliction gratuitous violence on victim is among factors to be considered in determining whether "especially heinous . depraved," found presence this factor light Jeffers had climbed top dead hit her face several times, causing additional wounds bleeding. Noting further apparent relish with which defendant commits another relevant under decisions, concluded for his evidenced by testimony that, while he beating victim, called a "bitch" "dirty snitch" stated, as each blow landed, "[t]his one for" someone whom felt she informed. Federal District Court denied habeas corpus petition. Appeals agreed depraved" circumstance, interpreted narrowed State not void face, but vacated sentence ground unconstitutionally vague applied him. Held: 1. erred holding Arizona's construction case contravened Godfrey v. Georgia, 446 420, 428, 100 1759, 1764, 64 398, Maynard Cartwright, 486 356, 364, 108 1853, 1859, 372. There no dispute here narrowing facts case. More important, construed state courts, face. Even if it so held, claim has constitutionally narrow manner disposed Walton Arizona, 639, 652-655, 3047, 3056-3058, 511, upheld, against vagueness challenge, precise at issue here. Moreover, identical assertion may nevertheless "as applied" him rejected Walton, supra, 655-656, S.Ct., 3058, makes clear adopted facially particular case, fundamental constitutional requirement channeling limiting capital sentencer's discretion been satisfied. Pp. 773-780. 2. conducting de novo, case-by-case comparison those cases decide as-applied challenge. That challenge reduces, essence, simply misapplied own Because federal relief does lie errors law, review application limited, most, arbitrary capricious constitute independent due process Eighth Amendment violation. making determination, appropriate standard "rational factfinder" Jackson Virginia, 443 307, 319, 99 2781, 2789, 61 560 must view most favorable prosecution determine "any rational trier fact could have elements beyond reasonable doubt." Under standard, factfinder both relished inflicted violence, given conduct toward victim's body. 780-784. 832 F.2d 476, (CA9 1987), reversed remanded. O'CONNOR, J., delivered opinion REHNQUIST, C.J., WHITE, SCALIA, KENNEDY, JJ., joined. BRENNAN, filed dissenting opinion, MARSHALL, joined (see 674, 3068, 511.) BLACKMUN, STEVENS, joined, post, p. 784. Gerald R. Grant, Phoenix, Ariz., petitioners. James S. Liebman, New York City, respondent. Justice O'CONNOR Court. 1 This presents issues pertaining determination offense manner," Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. § 13-703(F)(6) (1989). 2 * are undisputed. showed May 1976, police arrested Jimmie girlfriend, Penelope Cheney, law charges possession narcotics receipt stolen property. Respondent posted bond unable post himself remained custody Pima County Jail. While jail, received reports Cheney cooperating providing information about certain heroin transactions. wrote note jail inmate offering money would kill Cheney. detention officer who supposed deliver read seized it. 3 October released from pending appeal convictions. About week later, met Doris Van Der Veer began living motel Tucson. subsequently invited order provide some heroin. 4 On day murder, told coming over they wished alone. When arrived, introduced Veer, then excused herself. After 21/2 hours, returned room knocked door. admitted her, pointed gun ordered sit chair quiet. 5 Upon entering room, saw lying unconscious bed. appeared cyanotic. injected fluid into Cheney's hand "given enough shit horse bitch won't die." noticed foam mouth, recognized training nurse sign overdose. checked condition determined still alive. asked going help responded, "No, I'm her." 6 removed belt around waist choke He soon discarded choked bare hands. urged stop, saying probably die anyway, replied, I've seen way before she's come out it." 7 strangling instructed check pulse. pulse reported dead. inject more took pictures. complied. did proof accomplice. beat hands calling stating, [naming names]." dragged body off bed placed shower stall. three days, when smell, wrapped newspaper plastic garbage bags, sleeping bag, transported secluded area, where buried shallow grave. 8 A jury convicted sentencing hearing, two circumstances mitigating factors. accordance penalty statute, 13-454 (Supp.1973) (currently 13-703 (1989)), sentenced death. App. 5-10. 9 direct following Court's decision Lockett Ohio, 438 586, 98 2954, 57 973 (1978), respondent's remanded resentencing. Watson, 120 Ariz. 441, 586 P.2d 1253 (1978) (requiring consider nonstatutory factors), cert. denied, 440 924, 1254, 59 478 (1979). At second again doubt: created grave risk person (Van Veer) commission cruel, manner. §§ 13-703(F)(3) (6) (1989).1 thereupon resentenced death.2 11-16. 10 appeal, affirmed convictions sentences. Jeffers, 135 404, 661 1105, 464 865, 104 199, 78 174 (1983). With regard stated "this reviews established absence circumstances, we ourselves latter outweigh former find present." P.2d, 1129 (citations omitted). Applying "knowingly addition offense," 11 "committed 13-703(F)(6). provision dictionary definitions words used: 12 "The element cruelty involves pain mental physical distress visited upon victims. Heinous involve attitude perpetrator reflected actions. 'Heinous' means 'hatefully shockingly evil; grossly bad'; 'cruel' 'disposed inflict esp. wanton, insensate vindictive manner; sadistic'; 'depraved' 'marked debasement, corruption, perversion deterioration.' " 429, 1130 13 Independently reviewing evidence, failed prove 14 "There suffered any pain. It appears record after injection heroin, lost consciousness never regained died. Therefore, experienced suffering purposes A.R.S. 13-703(F)(6)." Id., 1130. 15 found, however, "the events surrounding itself support 'especially depraved.' 430, 1131. recently delineated factor. ibid. (citing Gretzler, 42, 659 1, 461 971, 103 2444, 77 1327 (1983), Ceja, 126 35, 612 491 (1980)). observed instant times eventually resulted bleeding." Ibid. Bishop, 127 531, 622 Finding "while 'a dirty snitch' striking said, 'This so. names],' concluded: "This evidences [respondent] murder. these prior decisions Gretzler considerations, remarks made [respondent], same time establish 16 contention court, broad. Relying held "[e]ach element—cruel, depraved—has narrowly defined meet standards." explained: 17 "We insistent [§ 13-703(F)(6)] apply. We clearly terms guide us indeed such Further reveals (F)(6) applicable all murders, limited applicability stand apart norm." 18 Finally, based determinations existed were sufficiently substantial call leniency mitigation circumstances. 431-432, 1132-1133. disproportionate imposed similar "[w]e entire pursuant 13-4035 error. our factor—that manner—and leniency." 432, 1133. 19 petitioned writ United States alleging, other claims, interpretation overbroad vague. reiterated "[a] includes indication relish." Ricketts, 627 F.Supp. 1334, 1360 (Ariz.1986) noted: 20 indicates Penny, either taken large dose consciousness. consciousness, attempted strangle finally accomplished intended purpose strangulation required eyewitness, point, perform acts corpse blows corpse, persons believed Penny responsible their arrest narcotic trafficking activities Jeffers. pulled across floor days." 21 Based facts, overbreadth circumstance. 22 divided panel Ninth Circuit 482-486 (1987). As initial matter, subsection 482 Chaney Lewis, 801 1191, 1194-1196 1986), 481 1023, 107 1911, 95 516 (1987)). 23 "[w]hile establishes statute capable application, naturally answer question case." F.2d, 482. Reviewing number defining applying compared heinousness depravity cannot principled Jeffers." 485. therefore struck down arbitrary: "To apply especial do permit capricious, unconstitutional standard. existing extended without losing ability distinguish between condemns not." 398 member maintained majority [was] doing little than second-guessing quite reasonably fit within definition circumstances." 487. 24 granted certiorari, Ricketts 493 889, 232, 183 (1989), now reverse. II 25 Petitioners contend make novo maintains only correctly 372 (1988). begin analysis contention. 26 Our punishment doctrine rooted principle '[t]he Fourteenth Amendments tolerate legal systems unique wantonly freakishly imposed.' Gregg 428 153, 188, 96 2909, 2932, 49 859 (1976) (joint Stewart, Powell, Stevens, JJ.) (quoting Furman 408 238, 310, 92 2726, 2762, 33 346 (1972) (Stewart, concurring)); see also Furman, 313, 2764 (WHITE, concurring) (invalidating "there meaningful basis distinguishing few [the penalty] many not"). Accordingly, "where afforded matter human life should spared, suitably directed minimize wholly action." Gregg, U.S., 189, 2932. 27 requires "channel 'clear objective standards' 'specific detailed guidance,' 'make rationally reviewable imposing death.' Godfrey, 1764 (footnotes State's criminal "eligible" penalty—therefore play significant role discretion. example, Georgia's "outrageously vile" Ga.Code Ann. 27-2534.1(b)(7) (Supp.1975) ("outrageously vile, horrible inhuman involved torture, mind, aggravated battery victim"), because Georgia courts give construction. 201, 2938 (Although "arguabl[y] mind battery," there "no reason assume will adopt open-ended construction"); Proffitt Florida, 242, 255, 2960, 2968, 913 (upholding Florida's atrocious cruel" Fla.Stat.Ann. 921.141(5)(h) (Supp.1976-1977), Florida restricted include 'the conscienceless pitiless unnecessarily torturous victim' "). 28 plurality although (b)(7) 1767 ("The satisfy criteria laid itself" adopting construction). construction, 432-433, 1766-1767. not, "[t]here imposed, 433, 1767. 29 general sentencer distinction deserve not. Spaziano 468 447, 460, 3154, 3162, 82 340 (1984) ("If available crimes, administer can individuals sanction not"); Zant Stephens, 462 862, 877, 2733, 2742, 235 (1983) ("[A]n genuinely class eligible justify imposition severe others guilty murder") (footnote omitted); Barclay 463 939, 960, 3418, 3430, 1134 (STEVENS, concurring judgment) ("A constant theme cases—from through Eddings, Zant—has emphasis procedural protections ensure consistent, manner"); Lowenfield Phelps, 484 231, 244-246, 546, 554-555, 568 30 Indeed, (1988), teachings hold Oklahoma Oklahoma's atrocious, sufficient "to cure unfettered commands Amendment." 1859. "conclusion th[e] [of case] jury's verdict supportable infirmity circumstance." 31 Respondent's reliance yield result seeks. Unlike 429-430, 1130-1131. 1194-1196). channeled prevent decisions. set forth section These consistently." Chaney, 1195 quotations 32 resolved doubt 3056-3058. disposes manner, bears repeating here: "Recognizing proper degree nature susceptible mathematical precision, conclude cruel' gives guidance sentencer. Nor fault statement 'relishes evidencing debasement perversion,' 'shows indifference sense pleasure' killing." 655, 3058 (citation 34 squarely forecloses argument fails 35 dissent's suggestion misplaced merit. certiorari "[w]hether depraved' channel Amendment," Brief Petitioner O.T.1989, 88-7351, i, judgment plainly rested negative question. 652-656, 3056-3058; 3068 (SCALIA, part judgment); 692-699, 3077-3082 (BLACKMUN, dissenting) (discussing courts' circumstance). decline invitation reconsider arguments addressed announced today. B 36 Appeals' rejection facial defends below even conclusion reached applies equal force case: 37 "Walton contends and, applied, imposed. effect challenges proportionality erroneous asks overturn do, just challenged furnishes being so, required, 'lawfully presume [Walton's] "wantonly freakishly" imposed—and thus meaning Amendment.' McCleskey Kemp, 279, 306, 308 [107 1756, 1774, 1775, 262] (1987); Pulley Harris, 465 37, 43 [104 871, 875, 79 29] (1984). Furthermore, undertook good faith Walton's proportional sentences his. Constitution require look behind conclusion." 3058. 38 "fundamental requirement" "channeling penalty," 362, 1858, Apart valid—i.e., circumstance—the 306-307, 1774-1775, 262 (1987) ("[A]bsent showing system operates violation demonstrating defendants similarly situated receive penalty"). C 39 contention—that circumstance—reduces, see, e.g., 41, 874, (1984); Rose Hodges, 423 19, 21-22, 175, 177-178, 46 162 (1975) (per curiam), Cf. Donnelly DeChristoforo, 416 637, 642, 643, 94 1868, 1871, 40 431 (1974) (absent specific violation, error "so infected unfairness resulting denial process"). respect findings counsels sort undertaken ("Illumined examples furnished standard] seems attitudes shocking exhibited Jeffers"). Where solely properly existence peer majestically [state] shoulder [they] might second-guess reasonably—perhaps plainly—fit language." 450, 1776 Barclay, 947, 3423 (plurality opinion) (review "limited unprincipled somehow violate Constitution"); id., 968, 3434 ("It reexamine fact, Assuming true, circumstances"). 41 Rather, adequate raise think claimant alleges unsupported obtained re Winship, 397 358, 90 1068, 368 (1970), asking "whether, viewing prosecution, essential 2789 324, 2791 ("We brought U.S.C. 2254—if settled prerequisites otherwise satisfied—the applicant entitled adduced guilt doubt") reasoned: familiar full responsibility fairly resolve conflicts testimony, weigh draw inferences basic ultimate facts. Once charged, factfinder's weigher preserved judicial prosecution." 42 considerations Although "elements" offense, 648-649, 3054-3055, violated Amendment's guarantee deprivations liberty equally safeguarding bedrock penalty. Like often "resolve facts." Jackson, 2789. 13-703(F) (1989) (listing circumstances); cf. 2254(d) (federal proceedings generally accord presumption correctness factual findings). assess See, Carriger, 143 142, 160, 692 991, 1009 'cruel[ty]' 'heinous "), 471 1111, 105 2347, 85 864 (1985). characterized "mixed" Sumner Mata, 455 591, 597, 102 1303, 1306, 71 480 (1982) curiam ) (declining 2254(d)'s mixed questions fact), remain cognizable proceedings. adhere appellate underlying remains same: If adequately function, raises, concerns, law. including depraved"—is concluded. agrees "a finding, insofar 'rational factfinder' rule Virginia." 95-96 (emphasis added; footnote 44 victim. Given [dead] 1131, killing made. supported "climbed bleeding," 52-53, 11-12 45 For foregoing reasons, reverse remand consistent opinion. ordered. 47 [For 3068.] 48 STEVENS join, dissenting. Seeking Circuit, raised ((F)(6) fact).1 First, contended articulate alternative, argued suitable developed, requirements. Appeals, deeming bound precedent, first (1987), citing contention, enunciated "seems Jeffers," 484, "[b]ecause arbitrary." 50 petition rehearing en banc. indicated deferred 'pending sitting banc, Adamson Ricketts." Order March 1988 quoted 21. Several months later banc issued 865 1011 1988), pending, 88-1553. exhaustive precedents, 51 "[T]he kept identifiable boundaries. Among fifty appealed, upheld neither legislative nor decisionmaking orde praved' arbitrarily capriciously courts." 1038.2 52 request 53 grounds satisfactory derived alternatively, exist, improperly case.3 logically antecedent second; raises greater importance, Adamson, hardly regarded insubstantial. today, refuses discuss merits broad circumstance; lieu analysis, relies single dictum I believe squared governing precedents—and majority's approach parody adjudication—I dissent. 54 consistently "an murder." sustained provides "principled 1767, (1980) opinion). language, standards.4 refers repeatedly "narrowing construction" ante, 776, 780, 783, nowhere states precisely what is, examine applied. suggests, Analysis relationship cases, belies characterization. 55 Prior principally Knapp, 114 562 704 (1977), 435 908, 1458, 500 recited terms. "Heinous" "hatefully bad"; "cruel" "disposed manner: sadistic"; "depraved" "marked deterioration." 543, 716. "What legislature wherein enumerated above usual 56 suggest Knapp insufficient required. To contrary, approval stated: phrase fashion, individual cases. summary developing area supports 50, 9. explaining kinds murders "[i]n contrast feelings cruelty, concepts killer's vile suggested lead depravity." 51, 10. Next, drawing identified five indicate depraved." (1) relishing killer," (2) victim," (3) needless mutilation (4) senselessness crime," (5) helplessness victim." 52, 11. "[W]here discussed above, separate 'norm' manner.' 53, added). obviously announce standards previously inadequate, constraints essential. Instead, cited gave application. No how vaguely finite limits list illustrative them. description establishment 58 future sentencers grouping categories. use categories serve (a) themselves homicides fall them, (b) covered falls satisfies criteria. Most least listed Gretzler—hardly surprising result, since descriptive period during governed Since moreover, continued identify unsurprising. purport lay rules future; summarized "circumstances, murders." Gretzler. Just every n. 4, judge surely killings evil" deterioration."5 Yet apparently concludes cured summarizing reiterating deficient relied pledging follow future.6 60 undertakes close examination subsequent. attempt explain said requirements satisfactorily reach language all. instead "we Ante, 777.7 Wal ton case," fundamentally misrepresents operation statute. asserted "heinous," "cruel," "are disjunctive; Beaty, 158 762 519, 529 910, 109 3200, 708 accurate characterize one.8 established, primarily cruel. depraved, necessary 159 571, 587-588, 769 1017, 1033-1034 sustain judge's factor, depravity"). Jeffrey focuses attention sufficiency "cruelty." concludes: 62 present adequacy "cruelty" issue. expressly cruel"; affirmance entirely "heinous" "depraved." stating today's position rely, Walton. italicized above—the discusses word gratuitous: affirmance, depend effort whatsoever "depravity" standards. 63 important frank happening laws case.9 guidance, constitutionality necessarily depends highest court. expressed requiring "torture serious abuse." 365, permissible kind, today permissibly reference likely execution numerous inmates, Arizona10 elsewhere, put articulated decision. conspicuous bootstrap. Five Members asserts explanation "fault" term proclaim scrap dictum. context poor excuse adjudication. deeply disturbing. understandable chooses rely exclusively brief passing Had examined range plausibly My dissent explains detail reasons 1031-1039. need reiterate refute analysis. 65 defects illustrated "relished" indicating dead, snitch," _____," naming friends informed police. meant crime. But killed sake intrinsic pleasure act hatred desire revenge. difference. 66 personal reprehensible reasons.11 arrived conclusion. eliminate witness, Correll, 148 468, 481, 715 721, 734 (1986); Gillies, 142 564, 570, 691 (1984), 470 1059, 84 834 (1985); Smith, 141 510, 511-512, 687 1265, 1266-1267 "senseless," 11-12; shall pecuniary gain. (F)(5) (1989).12 blameworthy motives which, view, depraved."13 Taken together, deemed virtually reason, 67 dealing improper symptomatic larger pattern avoided recounting announcing, conclusory typically identifies established. And isolation, appear problem factors, shown willing add new perceived arises, precedents places limitations circumstance.14 becomes very whole. Unfortunately, inquiry assessment undertake. 68 devotes energy arguing having largely refrain engaging case-specific comparisons homicide found. engaged "gratuitous violence," allowed stand. concede distinguishable my otherwise: broadly cover scarcely bizarre aberrational. I, observations concerning state-court 69 wrong valid only. 780. state-law function distinct murderers 878, 2743, ("[S]tatutory stage definition: circumscribe penalty"); 244, 554, point particularly like one, F6 exist. proved, significance: claims contending (and law) prohibits execution.15 70 points out, "federal findings." 782 apply, petitioner demonstrates "that factfinding procedure employed afford fair hearing." 2254(d)(2).16 trial-level conducted scheme. 5, supra. acknowledge. 783 (arguing evidence"). mandated courts. 449 539, 545-547, 101 764, 768-769, 722 (1981). recognized, however: "[T]here instances procedures 'adequate,' 2254(d)(2). turn credibility accurately paper record." Cabana Bullock, 474 376, 388, 106 689, 698, 88 (1986). inadequacy goes witnesses forced record. briefs submitted oral conducted, attach importance violence" death.17 days case—far too late submit regarding 72 primary deny cursed conflict "adequate" conflict. 73 determinate much understanding "relish" Thus, despite narrowed, limit violence." right duty ask hand. kind "incorrectly" terms, expands scope 74 comparative employs. say comparing Words somewhat "depraved," less crystalline clarity. attempting used mean thing something different arbitrary—even meanings dictionary. departed here, correlation others, employing approach. 75 Suppose, "physical abuse," satisfied killer subjected prolonged, suffering. Presumably valid. 1860. Suppose subsequent proved slapped once shot defendant, habeas, related challenges. argue slap constituted abuse" (This amount rule.) Alternatively, longer slap. However framed, though, fell plausible III 76 discussion me flawed respects. principal disagreement, insistence addressing Instead Walton—an offers rationale notes increasing tendency perfunctory action far anything observed. Section provides: "F. Aggravating following: "1. imprisonment imposable. "2. felony involving threat person. "3. knowingly offense. "4. procured payment, promise value. "5. consideration receipt, expectation "6. "7. department corrections, enforcement agency county city jail. "8. homicides, 13-1101, "9. adult tried fifteen years age. "10. murdered peace course performing official duties knew, known, officer." Rev.Stat.Ann. 13-703(E) "E. impose possibility release take account included subsections F G finds "[t]he pain." disagreed 428-429, 1129-1130. Consequently, rests Eleven judges sat Adamson. Seven none ("heinous," "depraved") 1036. four "cruel"; declined express 1058 (opinion dissenting). argues waived, ruled seek cross-petition certiorari. Reply 4. (though silently) rejects proposition. sought prevailed below. well defend Smith Phillips, 209, 215, 6, 940, 945, (1982). plausible. plurality, considering inhuman" nothing words, standing alone, implies inherent restraint sentence. ordinary sensibility almost 'outrageously inhuman.' 1765. unanimously inhuman' Godfrey." 363-364, precise. 1980, judge, provided (1977). invalid scheme, affirm Clemons Mississippi, 494 738, 762-772, 1441, 1455-1461, 725 (1990) (dissenting describing qualify employ formulations Knapp. Fulminante, 161 237, 254-255, 778 602, 619-620 (1988) definitions), granted, 1055, 1522, (1990); (same), (1989); Poland, 144 405, 698 183, 200 (1985) (same); Johnson, 147 395, 401, 710 1056 "acted fashion murderers"). peculiar 776-777. unusual show deference review. perverse proposition Circuit. inexplicably neglects mention panel's superseded seven concepts: heinousness/depravity. superficial difference 1034-1035, 38. One commentator "Twenty-four was, ill-defined way, worse murders. variety denote statutes containing, alone combination, cruel,' 'depravity mind,' wanton generated controversy Commentators universally criticized them vague, overbroad, meaningless." Rosen, "Especially Heinous" Circumstance Capital Cases—The Standardless Standard, N.C.L.Rev. 941, 943-944 (1986) occasions and/or 39-40, 491, 495-496 (1980); Clark, 436-437, 616 888, 896-897, 1067, 796, 534, 478, Tison, 129 555, 633 355, 364 (1981), 459 882, 180, (1982); Ortiz, 131 195, 210, 639 1020, 1035 456 984, 2259, 863 Woratzeck, 134 452, 457, 657 870 Zaragoza, 63, 69, 22, 28, 1124, 3097, 1356 (1983); Harding, 137 278, 294, 670 383, 399 1013, 246 Fisher, 227, 252, 686 750, 775, 469 1066, 548, 83 436 Villafuerte, 323, 331, 690 1230, 1234, 371 Martinez-Villareal, 145 450-451, 702 670, 679-680, 975, 339, 324 Wallace, 151 367-368, 728 237-238 (1986), 483 1011, 3243, 97 748 besides supra; identification seem, appropriately task judiciary. N.C.L.Rev., 990-991. codification essence abdication, policy choices guise "interpreting" whenever financial gain cause 436, 896. Clark specially justice's position, 437, 897, hired killers. 451, 680 (murder demonstrate "manliness" reflects manifest disregard principles society based"); McCall, 139 147, 162, 677 920, 935 victims' bodies "was designed 'message' warn people"), 467 1220, 2670, 81 375 old (because child physically vulnerable ahead him); traditionally accorded elderly); age dependent support). cogent 21- 55-year-old blameworthy. unreasonable, State, choose. invoked other, ultimately developed impunity fashion. youth presumably assert 40, 55, old, refuse 'challeng[e] Court.' 3063). Similarly, unless killed, kill, place. Enmund 458 782, 3368, 1140 finding. inapplicable material hearing," 2254(d)(3), full, fair, hearing proceeding." 2254(d)(6). murderer violence"; part, recounted notice significance

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