Court Opinion

ID: 9626965
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 08:29:32.328222+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:08:33.813866
License: Public Domain

SAYLOR, Justice,
dissenting.
I agree with the majority’s holding that a prosecution for murder based on accomplice liability will not support the use of the aggravating circumstance set forth in Section 9711(d)(6) of the Judicial Code. The majority proceeds to conclude that while Appellant’s counsel was ineffective in failing to so advise Appellant, resulting in her jury waiver, there was no resulting prejudice. It is with this conclusion that I differ. The express demonstration of prejudice required by the majority is insurmountable. As a consequence, the deprivation of Appel*600lant’s fundamental constitutional right to a trial by jury goes without a remedy.
Unlike the majority, I view this constitutional deprivation as presumptively prejudicial. Thus, I would remand for a new trial.
Chief Justice FLAHERTY and Justice Z APPAL A join this Dissenting Opinion.