Legal Document

447 U.S. 625 100 Supreme Court Reporter 2382 65 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 392 Gilbert Franklin BECK, Petitioner,v.State of ALABAMA. Number 78-6621. Argued Feb. 20, 1980. Decided June Syllabus Under Alabama law felony murder is a lesser included offense the capital crime robbery-intentional killing. death penalty statute trial judge prohibited from giving jury option convicting defendant offense; instead, must either convict crime, in which case it impose penalty, or acquit him. If convicted, hold hearing to consider aggravating and mitigating circumstances, may then refuse sentence instead life imprisonment. Petitioner was convicted killing, accordingly imposed sentence, court refused overturn. At petitioner's trial, his own testimony established participation robbery, but he denied any intent kill, victim. Because statutory prohibition, did not instruct as murder. The appellate courts upheld conviction rejecting constitutional attack on prohibition instructions. Held : constitutionally be after verdict guilt where permitted offense. Pp. 633-646. (a) Providing with "third option" ensures that will accord full benefit reasonable-doubt standard. This procedural safeguard especially important cases such this one. For when evidence establishes guilty serious, violent leaves some doubt an element justifying offense, failure give inevitably enhances risk unwarranted conviction. Such cannot tolerated defendant's at stake. 633-638. (b) Alabama's argument that, context apparently mandatory statute, preclusion instructions heightens, rather than diminishes, reliability determination, rejected. unavailability nature both interject irrelevant considerations into factfinding process, diverting jury's attention central issue whether State has satisfied its burden proving beyond reasonable crime. Thus, one hand, encourage for impermissible reason—its belief serious should punished. On other equally reason—that, whatever does deserve death. While particular these two extraneous factors favor prosecution cancel each out, every they introduce level uncertainty unreliability process case. 638-643. (c) "option" refusing return all, thus causing mistrial, adequate substitute proper offenses. Nor fact ultimate sentencing power compensate improper because option." finds only would have opportunity sentence. Moreover, tendency motivate same did. presumed post-trial always correct mistakes occurred performance function. 643-646. 365 So.2d 1006, reversed. David Klingsberg, New York City, petitioner. Edward E. Carnes, Montgomery, Ala., respondent. Mr. Justice STEVENS delivered opinion Court. 1 We granted certiorari decide following question: 2 "May non-capital supported verdict?" 444 897, 204, 62 132. 3 now under circumstances. 4 tried "[r]obbery attempts thereof victim intentionally killed by defendant."1 requisite kill supplied felony-murder doctrine.2 Felony However, specifically offense.3 Instead, given choice required acquitting him, allowing him escape all penalties alleged imposed, respect circumstances; evidence, imprisonment without possibility parole.4 5 In robbery 80-year-old man named Roy Malone. consistently denied, however, intended version events, accomplice entered their victim's home afternoon, and, petitioner had seized intending bind rope, unexpectedly struck As conceded, absent instructions, entitled instruction matter state law.5 6 told if acquitted intentional killing course "must discharged" "he can never anything ever Malone." Record 743. subsequently penalty; holding factors, overturn penalty. 7 below attacked cases, arguing indistinguishable statutes down Woodson versus North Carolina, 428 280, 96 2978, 49 944, Roberts Louisiana, 325, 3001, 974.6 Criminal Appeals rejected ground function determine innocence finding merely advisory.7 brief denying review, also arguments, citing Jacobs State, 361 640 (Ala.1978), cert. 439 1122, 99 1034, 59 83, constitutionality against similar challenge. 1007 (1978). 8 contends violates Eighth Amendment made applicable Fourteenth Due Process Clause substantially increasing error process. argues clearly noncapital murder, forcing choose between acquittal creates danger resolve doubts conviction.8 response, impair prejudice way. Rather, make more prone doubtful ability force mistrial acts viable third nevertheless unwilling acquit. prohibiting way assuring arbitrarily capriciously result compromise verdicts. Finally, imposition cured 9 * common find necessarily charged.9 rule originally developed aid proof failed establish charged. See C. Wright, Federal Practice Procedure § 515, n. 54 (1969). But long been recognized beneficial affords less drastic alternative charged acquittal. BRENNAN explained Keeble States, 412 205, 208, 93 1993, 1995, 36 844, providing standard: 10 "Moreover, no answer demand argue better off instruction. True, charged, offered, must, theoretical matter, instruction—in other—precisely exposed substantial practice diverge theory. Where elements remains doubt, plainly likely before us, example, commit bodily injury necessary simple assault. Since very much dispute could rationally assault presented. presented options: great injury, outright. say availability option—convicting resulted different verdict. Indeed, while we explicitly held Fifth guarantees right instructed clear construction Major Crimes Act preclude raise difficult questions." Id., 212-213, S.Ct., 1997-98 (emphasis original). 11 afford defendants protection provided unique American criminal law.10 federal courts, "beyond permit greater." supra, 1997.11 Similarly, addressed unanimously warrants it.12 crimes itself gives appropriate 5, supra. 12 due nearly universal acceptance value safeguard. That seem this. unquestionably offense—but justify offense—the enhance 13 often stated, there significant difference punishments: 14 "[D]eath kind punishment country. . From point view defendant, severity finality. society, action sovereign taking citizens differs dramatically legitimate action. It vital importance community decision be, appear based reason caprice emotion." Gardner Florida, 430 349, 357-358, 97 1197, 1204, 51 393 (opinion STEVENS, J.). 15 To insure indeed basis "reason emotion," invalidated rules tended diminish determination.13 reasoning apply determination. conviction, withdrawing case.14 II 16 argues, factual premise wrong led believe automatically follow guilt,15 whenever approaching doubt. support theory relies historical data described U.S., 293, 2986 STEWART, POWELL, JJ.), indicated juries traditionally so reluctant "with regularity, disregarded oaths automatic consequence verdict." 17 State's misreading our striking penalties. Furman Georgia, 408 238, 92 2726, 33 346, unconstitutional Georgia vested complete unguided discretion saw fit, procedure "wanton" "freakish" 310, 2762 (STEWART, J., concurring). response several enacted purported withdraw making guilt. But, prevailing noted doing "simply papered over problem unchecked discretion." 302, 2990 JJ.). For, indicated, faced created distorting fact-finding even felt die guidance whatsoever determining exercise de facto power, raised arbitrary capricious manner invalid Furman.16 18 Woodson, many flaws Carolina unconstitutional. makes determination depend, least part, feelings deserves standards guide issue. 19 Chief Torbert attempted distinguish Louisiana reduces nullification. reluctance who obviously unlikely disregard simply abhorrence mandatory, careful end perfect balance competing emotional pressures reliable procedure, time reducing determinations.17 20 theory, nothing speculation. 96% rate achieved prosecutors hardly supports notion equipoise.18 seems jurors react theoretically suggests. Shores stated dissent 651-652: 21 "The remark Furman, infra, again nation abhorred & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions suggest although it, most, history perhaps abhor setting free knowing what influence deliberation, unappealing alternatives opts purest conjecture. know outweighs other. Jurors are expected come box leave behind human experience taught them. country source concern Americans. expect ignore reality innocent thereby set requires clinical detachment ." 22 final analysis difficulty interjects death.19 out. III 23 effect precluding might otherwise harm additional safeguards. First, case, creating mistrial. After reindict offenses.20 declared unable agree fixing event again. 24 persuaded extremely understand implications mistrial21 confidence ultimately lead result. assurance second invoking agrees though require violate case—contrary assertions lawless choices. despite indicates provide measure defendant. 25 erroneously ensure improperly sentenced Again, compensates 26 fully lesser, manifest according statistics submitted Attorney General, fair infer ordinarily followed separate aggravation mitigation imposes sentence.22 presume 27 Accordingly, judgment 28 Reversed. 29 BRENNAN, concurring. 30 Although join Court's opinion, continue is, contrary Amendment's cruel unusual punishments. Gregg 153, 227, 2909, 2950, 859 (1976) (BRENNAN, dissenting). 31 MARSHALL, concurring judgment. 32 Amendments. 314-374, 2764, 2796, 346 (1972) (MARSHALL, concurring); 231-241, 2973-2977, dissenting); Godfrey 446 420, 433-442, 1759, 1767-1772, 64 398 (1980) judgment). addition, increases do not, assumption violating command "cruel punishments" imposed. Lockett Ohio, 438 586, 621, 98 2954, 2973, 57 973 (1978) judgment); Bell 637, 643-644, 2977, 2981, 1010 REHNQUIST, whom WHITE joins, dissenting. 34 begins stating question treatment highly unusual, since intermediate Appeals, preserved Alabama. began language: 35 "Petitioner Beck raises here: " 'Whether erred Death Penalty Statute violation Article III, Section 43, V, 124 38, 1901 Constitution Alabama.' 1007. 37 Obviously, unless wholly deciding there, involving Constitution. 38 suffices, jurisdiction us Congress, brush footnote grounds claim "in fashion" Alabama, "[t]he argued presentation insufficient, law, preserve issue." 39 stipulated waived parties decided merits here. Title Code KF62 1257 provides extends "[f]inal judgments decrees rendered highest 40 Hulbert Chicago, 202 275, 617, 618, 50 L.Ed. 1026 (1906), said: 41 "It urged writ petition citation certain rights privileges were claimed Illinois privileges, further urged, chief justice allow error. sufficient." 42 More recently, Street York, 394 576, 582, 89 1354, 1360, 572 (1969), 43 when, here, pass upon question, assumed omission want aggrieved party affirmatively show contrary." (Emphasis supplied.) 44 Thus insufficient "has argued" review had; contrary. Here am convinced showing made. 45 Believing, therefore, proceedings purports decide, dissent. There offenses Ala.Code §§ 13-11-2(a)(1)-(14) (1975): "(1) Kidnapping ransom thereof, defendant; "(2) Robbery "(3) Rape carnal knowledge girl years age, abuse attempt knowledge, "(4) Nighttime burglary occupied dwelling occupants "(5) police officer, sheriff, deputy, trooper peace officer kind, prison jail guard duty official job-related act guard; "(6) Any committed imprisonment; "(7) Murder first degree done pecuniary valuable consideration pursuant contract hire; "(8) Indecent molestation of, indecently molest, child age years, "(9) Willful exploding dynamite explosive circumstances punishable section 13-2-60 13-2-61, person said explosion; "(10) wherein beings series acts; "(11) public figure stems caused related position, capacity; "(12) engaged participating unlawfully assuming control aircraft use threats obtain release passenger crewman thereon, direct route movement aircraft, exert aircraft; "(13) preceding crime; "(14) perpetrated witness subpoenaed testify preliminary hearing, grand proceeding kills procures witness, being witness." 13-11-2(b) (1975) states "[e]vidence shall doctrine." Ritter 375 270, 275 (1979), pending, 79-5741, satisfy new known someone killed. prove actual triggerman, "particularized intent" "sanctioned facilitated [of killing] culpability comparable of" killer. 13-11-2(a) provides: "If guilty, fix indictment aggravation, averred indictment, include offenses." last phrase subsection construed cases. 640, 646 (Ala.1978) (Torbert, part dissenting part), 83; Evans Birtton, 472 F.Supp. 707, 714 (SD Ala.1979). 13-11-3 aggravated listed 13-11-2 fixes death, thereupon parole. deems relevant matters relating enumerated sections 13-11-6 13-11-7. probative received, regardless admissibility exclusionary accorded rebut hearsay statements; further, authorize introduction secured counsel, present death." "there position." Fulghum 291 Ala. 71, 75, 277 886, 890 (1973). concedes standard first-degree (felony) robbery. Brief Respondent 78-79; Tr. Oral Arg. 23. disagree second-degree law. We, course, occasion counsel telling "you got things, you him" unconstitutionally interfered role 40. follows: "In absence provision, appellant insists petit imposing He those choices jury, interpreted having provision." 985, 999 challenging Eighth, Sixth, Amendments sentence." explore issues Court, one-paragraph affirming adverted raised. REHNQUIST takes position construe address claims claims. disagree. fashion contrary, opposition certiorari, "the Appellate Courts reviewed petition, considered them correctly issues." granted, properly below. confer agreement, aside General's Cf. Chambers Mississippi, 410 284, 290, 3, 1038, 1043, 297. true this, manner. Vachon Hampshire, 414 478, 94 664, 666. So.2d, 1000. relied proposition. majority discuss validity far suspect, helped save 974, warranted gave facto, standardless discretion. withdraws sentencing, concluded acceptable total constitutes irrational discrimination violative Equal Protection Amendment. disposition M. Hale, Pleas Crown 301-302 (1736); W. Hawkins, 623 (6th ed. 1787); Judge Chitty, Law 250 (5th Am. 1847); T. Starkie, Treatise Pleading 351-352 (2d 1822). Mississippi's post-Furman contained charging Jackson 337 1242, 1255 (1976), Mississippi "constitutes impediment administration therefore binding courts. warning "indiscriminately automatically," "warranted evidence." principle announced Stevenson 162 313, 323, 839, 843, 980: "A entirely whole actuated malice; passion lower grade manslaughter yet fairly tending bear manslaughter, province condition mind was, manslaughter." Berra 351 131, 134, 76 685, 688, 1013, Harlan entitlement doubted: themselves constitute justified 980." Rule 31(c) Rules found permissively phrased, universally granting requested it. See, e. g., Scharf, 558 Reporter, 2nd 498, 502 (CA8 1977); Crutchfield, 547 496, 500 (CA9 Government Virgin Islands Carmona, 422 95, (CA3 1970); vary descriptions quantum rise instruction, evidence. Christie 580 Pacific 310 (Alaska 1978); Valencia, 121 Ariz. 191, 589 434 (1979); Westbrook 265 Ark. 736, South Western 702 People Preston, Cal.3d 308, 107 Cal.Rptr. 300, 508 300 (1973); White, 191 Colo. 353, 553 68 (1976); Brown, 173 Conn. 254, 377 Atlantic 268 (1977); Matthews 645 (Del.1973); Terry, 336 (Fla.1976); Loury 147 Ga.App. 152, 248 Eastern (1978); Travis, Haw. 435, 368 883 (1962); Beason, 95 Idaho 267, 506 1340 Simpson, Ill.App.3d 442, Ill.Dec. 463, 373 809 Pruitt 269 Ind. 559, 382 150 Millspaugh, 257 513 (Iowa 225 Kan. 87, 587 1259 Martin Commonwealth, 571 613 (Ky.1978); Carmichael, 405 732 (Me.1979); Blackwell 278 Md. 466, 545 431 918, 2183, 53 229; Commonwealth Santo, Mass. 299, 376 866 Jones, 395 Mich. 379, 236 461 (1975); Merrill, 274 (Minn.1978); 1242 (Miss.1976); Stone, 486 (Mo.App.1978); Ostwald, 180 Mont. 530, 591 Hegwood, Neb. 605 Colle 85 Nev. 289, 454 (1969); Boone, 119 N.H. 594, 406 113 Saulnier, 63 N.J. 199, 306 67 Aubrey, 91 N.M. 1, 569 411 Henderson, N.Y.2d 233, 391 N.Y.S.2d 563, 359 1357 Drumgold, 297 N.C. 254 531 Piper, 261 650 (N.D.1977); Kilby, Ohio St.2d 21, 1336 Gilbreath 555 69 (Okl.Cr.App.1976); Thayer, Or.App. 193, 573 758 Terrell, 482 Pa. 303, 1117 Funchess, 267 S.C. 427, 229 331 Grimes, 90 S.D. 237 900 Howard 578 83 (Tenn.1979); Day 532 302 (Tex.Cr.App.1975); Gillian, Utah 372, 463 811 (1970); Painter 210 Va. 360, 171 166 Workman, Wash.2d 443, 584 Wayne, W.Va., 245 838 Leach Wis.2d 495 Jones 1150 (Wyo.1978). J.); 973. THE CHIEF JUSTICE rationale requiring procedures determinations: "There governmental authority used prevents sentencer independent weight aspects character record proffered spite call severe When unacceptable incompatible commands Amendments." 605, 2965. 305, 2991, 944 JJ.): "Death, finality, 100-year term year two. qualitative difference, corresponding need specific case." authority. believe, implication, final. conclusion Louisiana's 974 involved "invites feel inappropriate," equivalent discretionary unreviewable discretion, appropriate. 335, 3007. 2937, possible remove candidate like Georgia's, determined separately punishment, little decision. eliminating arbitrariness Gregg, safeguards questions. 50, 2937. linked elimination permissible reduce infliction Forty-eight out convicted. Opposition O.T.1978, 78-5696, Pages 10, 35. high rarely indict except clearest essential Assuming rate, still hypothesis closing arguments indicate proved defense attorneys spent deal desirability general application particular, focusing crucial showed possessed charge. 13-11-2(c) "[I]f discharged. enter entry reindicted allege circumstance. circumstance, heretofore hereafter law; parole." sure "if reindictment take [petitioner] bar plea one, prison, I'll him." 689. another point, attorney punished acquitted, stating: "I submit he's Etowah County Jail. receive 709. "for And, retried elaborate retrial entail. offenses, received judge. brief. 650-651, pointed practical obstacles treating purely advisory: "[T]o reduction prerogative place undue office. admittedly, bulwark legal system unpopular causes adverse opinion. recent history, reflects outcry unjustified criticism attendant judge's parole, returned Clearly, pressure compulsion conform previously jury." (Footnote omitted.)

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