NCJ Number
111137
Date Published
1985
Length
83 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the status of capital punishment in California as part of a hearing to determine why the death penalty is not imposed and why capital cases take so long to process.
Abstract
Between 1851 and 1967, the death penalty was imposed 502 times. The last execution was of Aaron Mitchell in April 1967. As of January 1985, 162 capital cases are pending in the State. Of these, 65 have not yet had a certified record submitted, 21 have been argued and are awaiting an opinion, 30 have been briefed, and 46 have not yet been briefed. Of 30 cases decided by the California Supreme Court, 30 have been reversed and 3 affirmed. Reversals have generally involved arguments based on unequal imposition of the death penalty, improper jury selection or instructions, improper peremptory challenges, and inadequacy of counsel. Data on capital cases are provided. Appendixes include a summary of death penalty decisions, selected statutes relating to capital cases, and other State provisions for death penalty appeals.