NCJ Number
148216
Date Published
1994
Length
384 pages
Annotation
This volume has two major purposes: (1) to acquaint judges who are handling capital cases with an overview of the special logistical and legal problems they will face as a case progresses and (2) to provide them with advice and a starting point for their preparation for trying a capital case.
Abstract
The benchbook follows the usual sequence of events of a capital case from pretrial motions and hearings through the trial, postconviction, and sentencing phases. Although procedures vary from State to State, this format is intended to be equally applicable and useful in almost every court. Individual chapters cover the management of costs in each phase of a capital case, counsel in capital cases, issues related to free press versus a fair trial, judicial supervision and trial management, jury selection and management, the penalty phase, postconviction remedies. Recent case law and citations are included both for cases decided by the United States Supreme Court and for State cases. The discussion also focuses on the impact of Federal habeas capital punishment cases on State postconviction proceedings. Appended checklist, outlines, pleas, jury questionnaire, order regarding cameras in court, and related materials