Capital cases; sentencing proceeding. (SB162)

Introduced By

Sen. John Edwards (D-Roanoke)

Description

Capital case sentencing forms.  Revises the statutory sentencing forms used in capital cases to add a form that provides that even if the jury finds future dangerousness and vileness it may sentence the defendant to life imprisonment rather than death. It also revises an existing form to make it clear that in order to impose a death sentence the jury's finding of future dangerousness or vileness must be unanimous. This bill addresses issues raised in Prieto v. Commonwealth, decided by the Virginia Supreme Court on September 18, 2009.   View Full Text »

Outcome

1 vote