Court Opinion

ID: 9623668
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 06:39:36.121654+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:51:47.522846
License: Public Domain

Dolliver, J.
(concurring in the concurrence and dissent) — I concur with the views expressed by Justice Utter. I write, however, because of my concern over the treatment by the majority of the question as to whether the death penalty is per se unconstitutional under Const. art. 1, § 14: "Excessive bail shall not be required, excessive fines imposed, nor cruel punishment inflicted."
Although the majority states the issue is "raised implicitly", majority at 31, there is no contention by defendant, either in his brief or oral argument, that the death penalty is unconstitutional per se. The issue was not discussed by the State nor were briefs from amicus curiae requested. Under these circumstances, it seems to me inappropriate for a matter of this significance to be addressed by the court. See State v. Rupe, 101 Wn.2d 664, 711, 683 P.2d 571 (1984) (Dolliver, J., concurring in the result).
Utter, J., concurs with Dolliver, J.