Legal Document

490 U.S. 805 109 S.Ct. 2207 104 L.Ed.2d 876 SOUTH CAROLINA, Petitionerv.Demetrius GATHERS. No. 88-305. Argued March 28, 1989. Decided June 12, Rehearing Denied Aug. 30, See 492 938, 110 24. Syllabus Respondent was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in a South Carolina court. The prosecutor's closing argument at the sentencing phase included his reading jury length from religious tract victim carrying comments on personal qualities that prosecutor inferred victim's possession voter registration card. Finding "extensive regarding character were unnecessary an understanding circumstances crime," Supreme Court concluded those "conveyed suggestion [respondent] deserved sentence because man registered voter," and, reliance Booth v. Maryland, 482 496, 107 2529, 96 440, reversed respondent's d remanded for new proceeding. Held: "For purposes imposing penalty . [the defendant's] punishment must be tailored responsibility moral guilt." Enmund Florida, 458 782, 801, 102 3368, 3378, 73 1140. Here, concerned characteristics, "[a]llowing rely [this information] could result factors about which defendant unaware, irrelevant decision kill." supra, 505, 2534. content card not possibly have been relevant "circumstances crime." Where there no evidence respondent read either or card, papers purely fortuitous provide any information culpability, notwithstanding had admitted other purposes. Pp. 810-812. 295 S.C. 476, 369 S.E.2d 140 (1988), affirmed. BRENNAN, J., delivered opinion Court, WHITE, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, JJ., joined. filed concurring opinion, post, p. 812. O'CONNOR, dissenting REHNQUIST, C.J., KENNEDY, joined, SCALIA, 823. Donald J. Zelenka, Columbia, petitioner. Joseph L. Savitz, III, Asst. Appellate Defender, William Isaac Diggs, respondent. Justice BRENNAN Court. 1 Demetrius Gathers killing Richard Haynes. trial showed three companions encountered Haynes, stranger them, park bench one evening. When Haynes rebuffed Gathers' attempt initiate conversation, friends assaulted beating kicking him severely smashing bottle over head. Before leaving scene, beat with umbrella, he then inserted into anus. Some time later apparently returned scene stabbed knife. 2 31 years old unemployed. For two prior experiencing "some mental problems" "in out [a] hospital" times. App. 4. Although without formal training, considered himself preacher referred as "Reverend Minister"; mother testified would "tal[k] people all Lord." Id., 5-6. He generally carried several bags containing articles significance, including Bibles, rosary beads, plastic statues, olive oil, tracts. Among these items, evening murder, entitled "The Game Guy's Prayer." Relying football boxing metaphors, it extolled virtues good sport. After beaten, assailants went through belongings, looking (apparently vain) something worth stealing. In rummaging effects they scattered ground contents wallet bags, just-mentioned tract. 3 tried General Sessions Charleston County, Carolina. During guilt found crime objection.* guilty first-degree criminal sexual conduct. All testimony exhibits readmitted phase. State presented phase, but following remarks, are basis prese t controversy: 4 "We know proof Reverend Minister person. items there. This strewn [sic ] them across bike path, thinking nothing that. 5 "Among many cards among belongings this It's evidence. Think when you go back [sic] beads. angel. Of course, is now angels now, care little fact Cared pain agony inflicted upon person who trying enjoy our public parks. 6 "But look Haynes' prayer. called Prayer. 'Dear God, help me sport game life. I don't ask easy place lineup. Play anywhere need me. only stuff give hundred percent what got. If hard drives seem come my way, thank compliment. Help remember won't ever let anything way together can't handle. And take bad break part game. understand full knots knocks trouble, make thankful them. brave so harder better like it. And, oh always play square. No matter players do, clean. study book I'll rules, think lot greatest player lived portrayed book. best helping guys luck, find out, too. regular, also inspiration players. Finally, if fate seems uppercut both hands, am laid shelf sickness age something, game, whimper squeal frameup raw deal. falling dusk get final bell, lying, complimentary tombstones. I'd feel guy, saint life.' 7 we know, very small problems. Unable keep regular job. wasn't blessed fame fortune. took things came along. prepared deal tragedies 8 * 9 "You will some case tell more just verdict. Again easy. takes pleasure it, cries grave case. treasure. Speaks Very simple yet profound. Voting. A voter's 10 believed community. part. United States America, country sit benc attacked by likes Gathers." 41-43. 11 remarks appellant voter." 484, 140, 144 (1988). 440 (1987), court We granted certiorari, 488 888, 218, 209 affirm. 12 Our capital cases consistently recognized "[f]or 1140 (1982). id., 825, S.Ct., 3391 (O'CONNOR, dissenting) ("[P]roportionality requires nexus between imposed defendant's blameworthiness"); Tison Arizona, 481 137, 149, 1676, 1683, 95 127 (1987) ("The heart retribution rationale directly related culpability offender"). Two Terms ago, addressed question whether use "victim impact statements" proceedings violated principle defendant. held such statements introduced might "wholly unrelated blameworthiness particular defendant." U.S., 504, 13 placed before descriptions victims' concerning emotional family, family members' opinions At issue present statement first sort—one characteristics victim. While rather than survivors characterized qualities, indistinguishable respect Booth. As Booth, 14 however, left open possibility kind contained admissible "relate[d] 507, n. 10, 2535, 10. asserts here. Brief Petitioner 25-41. It contends various "maliciously around victim's] body during event" "relevant reveal certain 28. 15 disagree. while going steal certainly circumstance crime, thus proper subject comment. But well beyond fact: commented "Game Prayer" cards, cannot There n whatever printed Indeed, extremely unlikely did so. quickly, "just throwing [his belongings] everywhere, things," 27, spent minute doing so, place, moreover, night, along dark path wooded area. 17; Record 621-622, 926-927. Nor flashlights. 622-623. Under circumstances, happened culpability. Notwithstanding another purpose, their said relate crime. 16 judgment therefore 17 Affirmed. 18 concurring. 19 Unless overruled, below Hence, join BRENNAN's 20 whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE KENNEDY join, dissenting. 21 Eighth Amendment prohibited considering trial. document compiled Maryland Division Parole Probation extensive interviews son, daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter. addition relating victims themselves, described members, resulting sleeplessness, fear, depression, constant painful memories. defendant, imposed. 509-515, 2536-2539. majority view "may wholly defendant," 2534, divert sentencer's attention background record, noted introduction entitle rebut evidence, "a 'mini-trial' character." 2535. expressed concern members serve "inflame deciding 508, 2536. 22 Since has considerable confusion lower courts precise scope its holding. courts, case, broad proposition "the injection determination" violates Amendment. Other declined broadly, holding does prohibit prosecutorial See, e.g., Daniels State, 528 N.E.2d 775, 782 (Ind.1988); Moon 258 Ga. 748, 756, 375 442, 450 People Rich, 45 Cal.3d 1036, 1089-1090, 248 Cal.Rptr. 510, 543-544, 755 P.2d 960, 993-994 (1988); Ghent, 43 739, 771-772, 239 Cal.R tr. 82, 103, 739 1250, 1271 (1987). 23 joined dissents see 515, 2539 (WHITE, dissenting); 519, 2541 (SCALIA, dissenting), believing wrongly decided facts rested misinterpretation Court's thereunder. remain persuaded wrong stand ready overrule do can reach disposition action. Booth's central harm control us today. here solely himself. Thus, decide adopt establishing rigid rule eliminating virtually consideration narrower allow extent caused arriving appropriate punishment. Mills 486 367, 398, 108 1860, 1877, 100 384 (1988) (REHNQUIST, ("I interpret foreclosing form, victim"). 24 Because itself "that proportional blameworthiness," 823, 3390, (1982) reject prohibits hearing reverse decline invitation comb record indications "misrepresented evidence" appealed bias violation Due Process Clause Fourteenth 21-24. Instead, remand inquiry. 25 On Saturday September 1986, sat peacefully near mother's home Bible side. vulnerable history problems, Minister" shared views listen. approached down next drank beer. told wish converse him, brutally, smashed 18-22. lay helpless, compatriots rummaged possession, strewing looked steal. 27-28, 34-35. left, remained striking unconscious umbrella forcing 23-26. departed walked nearby apartment complex. 26. Sometime later, companion death. 36. 26 conduct, objection her son's problems practice "talk[ing] 5. One clearl visible night murder. 26-27. night—including angels, Prayer"—were 8-10; 565-567, 782-783, 785-787. Those reintroduced 1167. 27 degree unable entirety, suggesting sort "took along" "was life." 43. beside body, arguing "[s]peaks Haynes" "believed community" Ibid. 28 given instructions challenged recommendation sentence, finding proceeding "by focusing extensively victim." S.C., 482, S.E.2d, 143. II 29 should read, view, preclude comment gives sentencer "glimpse life" "chose extinguish." 397, 1876 dissenting). victim, properly developed course trial, far outside realm 'circumstances crime' mere mention problematic." Brooks Kemp, 762 F.2d 1383, 1409 (CA11 1985) (en banc), vacated grounds, 478 1016, 106 3325, 92 732 (1986), reinstated, 809 700 (CA11) cert. denied, 483 1010, 3240, 97 744 precludes conveying sense unique human being whose life taken. 30 More fundamentally, illustrates one-sided nature require sentencer. required allowed consider wide range merely relevant, stated Lockett Ohio, 438 586, 604, 98 2954, 2964, 57 973 (1978): "[T]he Amendments precluded considering, mitigating factor, aspect proffers less death" (emphasis original; footnote omitted). Eddings Oklahoma, 455 104, 869, 71 decisions based profoundly reflect community individual actions. Evidence extraneous deemed indeed, constitutionally "because belief, long society, defendants commit acts attributable disadvantaged background, may culpable excuse." California Brown, 479 538, 545, 837, 841, 93 934 concurring). heard mother, sister, cousin, indicating affectionate caring 1183, 1187, 1199. sixth grade teacher quiet child sufficient guidance discipline home. 1193, 1195. None events 13, jury's assessment blameworthiness. Similarly, entered society's conception valid penological goal penalty. Gregg Georgia, 428 153, 183, 2909, 2929, 49 859 (1976) (opinion Stewart, Powell, JJ.). expressly "retribution element punishments society imposes," "clearly plays prominent role case." Spaziano 468 447, 462, 3154, 3163, 82 340 (1984). offender." Moreover, essential factor determining caused. 32 That actions penalty, even specifically intend harm, legislative levels brothers participated substantially father's armed prison breakout kidnaping robbery resulted four murders, though neither act desired to, would, cause death." 150, 1684. Tisons' involvement "both subjectively appreciated likely taking innocent life," 152, 1685, support state reckless indifference 151, "reckless value every bit shocking 'intent kill,' " 157, 1688, Arizona specific determination Tisons possessed state, 158, 1688. What critical defendants' eligibility helped bring about: beings. similar manner, punishes driving differently vehicular homicide; distinction rests difference notion legitimate concerns 516, 2540 ("There hing aberrant juror's inclination hold murderer accountable internal committing caused"). context, authorizes infliction attempted kill same actual killer. SCALIA dissent often hinge fortuity all. 2541. results actions, ultimate 33 Nothing chooses, "includ[ing] particularized individual's causes rest society," 517, precisely punishment, excludes considerations supported societal consensus, withholds clearly deem reasoned 34 issue. focused heinous 40-41. brought callously ransacked attack. 41. Prayer," "Prayer," invokes sports metaphors stresses accepting resilient "good sport" life, used stress vulnerability humanity argued: fortune." 42. death, Haynes," exemplified "belie[f] community." sum, stressed ordinary citizen trusted quietly risk 35 made conscious being. Just own important "uniquely bein[g]," Woodson North Carolina, 280, 304, 2978, 2991, 944 (1976), equally loss assessing nor faceless deeply harmless exhibited proselytization political participation affairs community's demise, grief anger father children. stands shield against practices inherently cruel offend consensus "cruel unusual." Trop Dulles, 356 86, 101, 78 590, 598, 630 (1958). offended below. III 36 alternative supporting below, argues engaged "manipulation outright fabrication" portrait inferences 22. impermissibly invited impose religion affiliation Clause. 23. indeed improper urge race, religion, WHITE wrote "It doubt true encourage race appropriate. Cf. McCleskey 279 [107 1756, 262] (1987)." 2540. Zant Stephens, 462 862, 885, 103 2733, 2747, 77 235 (1983) (if "attached 'aggravating' label impermissible totally process, example due process law set aside"); Furman 408 238, 242, 2726, 2728, 346 (1972) (Douglas, concurring); F.2d, 1409. 37 Evaluation claim entire determine allegedly erroneous infected unfairness render denial process. Donnelly DeChristoforo, 416 637, 643, 94 1868, 1871, 40 431 (1974); Darden Wainwright, 477 168, 2464, 91 (1986). already never mentioned constitute error. Nevertheless, conduct inquiry instance. 38 opportunity positive dictates Gardner 430 349, 362, 1197, 1206, 51 393 (1977) J.) (due imposition presentence report rebut). 18-20. "No introduce rebuttal statement." 518, 506-507, 2534-2535 Court). pointed pr cluded rebutting. Rather, drew argument, defense counsel. fact, counsel repeated reference Minister." 45. But, claim, remand. instead adopts barrier discussion respectfully dissent. 39 Members restriction federal procedures Constitution. continue believe decided, conviction perceptible strengthened subsequent writings pointing indefensible consequences visited taken account decides ante, 816-820 1876, Once accepted, considered, drawing admirable injury fellow citizens. impossible which. (Would dutiful husband characteristic indication others?) squarely calls validity 41 argued recent decision, lest action "appear occasioned change personnel," rules announce 'the group men temporarily occupy high office.' Barbara Babcock et al. Amici Curiae 29-30 (quoting Florida Dept. Health Rehabilitative Services Nursing Home Assn., 147, 154, 101 1032, 67 132 (1981) (STEVENS, concurring)). overruling shake citizenry's faith Overrulings precedent rarely occur personnel. distinctive feature follow after original decision. hardly unprecedented. Williams, 474 327, 330-331, 662, 664-665, 88 662 (1986) (overruling Parratt Taylor, 451 527, 1908, 68 420 (1981)); Scott, 437 86-87, 2187, 2191-2192, 65 (1978) Jenkins, 358, 1006, 250 (1975)); West Virginia Board Education Barnette, 319 624, 642, 63 1178, 87 L.Ed. 1628 (1943) Minersville School District Gobitis, 310 60 84 1375 (1940)). thought accorded increases, decreases, antiquity, adjusts existence, surroundi g becomes premised validity. freshness error deprives long-established entitled, counsels correction seized once, laws adjusted embody particularly line purporting "evolving standards decency" applicable (1958) (plurality opinion). law-abiding revised comply existence "consensus" to—or least pre-existing contrary longer evident—thus enabling triumph failure promptly correct Thompson 487 815, 854-855, 2687, 2709, 702 judgment). 42 oath adhere plainly unjustified intrusion democratic order save face. With reservation become embedded system government return possible (a description surely apply ), agree Douglas: "A judge constitutional compulsions revere past accept once written. remembers above else Constitution swore defend, gloss predecessors put it." Douglas, Stare Decisis, Colum.L.Rev. 735, 736 (1949). Or said: "[W]hen convinced former error, felt constrained precedent. questions, where depends amendment throughout freely exercised power reexamine decisions." Smith Allwright, 321 649, 665, 64 757, 765, 987 (1944). arguable common-law led up Amendment, longstanding tradition, juries, face responsibility. today's try assert contrary. greater reassurance retaining 44 objects were, most part, police officer Anthony Hazel. 768-790. then, otherwise him. example, colloquy admitted: "Q. Okay. else? "A. Point C, papers. Personal appeared belong victim? Yes, sir. State's Exhibit 19? Yes." 782. 787.

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