In Re: Standard Criminal Jury Instructions in Capital Cases , 244 So. 3d 172 ( 2018 )

Supreme Court of Florida
____________
No. SC17-583
____________
IN RE: STANDARD CRIMINAL JURY INSTRUCTIONS
IN CAPITAL CASES.
[May 24, 2018]
PER CURIAM.
Previously in this case, the Court authorized for publication and use on an
interim basis, on its own motion, amended existing instructions 7.11 (Preliminary
Instructions in Penalty Proceedings—Capital Cases) and 7.12 (Dialogue for
Polling the Jury (Death Penalty Case)), and adopted new instructions 3.12(e) (Jury
Verdict Form—Death Penalty) and 7.11(a) (Final Instructions in Penalty
Proceedings—Capital Cases). In re Std. Crim. Jury Instrs. in Capital Cases, 214
So. 3d 1236 (Fla. 2017).1
The need for the Court to authorize for publication and use revised and new
capital case jury instructions arose from the decision in Hurst v. Florida, 136 S. Ct.
1. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.
616 (2016), wherein the United States Supreme Court held that a portion of
Florida’s death penalty sentencing scheme was unconstitutional because a jury was
not required to find the facts necessary to impose a sentence of death. See id. at
619. Following remand from the Supreme Court, we held
that in addition to unanimously finding the existence of any
aggravating factor, the jury must also unanimously find that the
aggravating factors are sufficient for the imposition of death and
unanimously find that the aggravating factors outweigh the mitigation
before a sentence of death may be considered by the judge.
Hurst v. State, 202 So. 3d 40, 54 (Fla. 2016), cert. denied, 137 S. Ct. 2161 (2017).
We further held that a unanimous jury recommendation for death is required before
a trial court may impose a sentence of death. Id. The changes to the standard
criminal jury instructions were also warranted in light of chapter 2017-1, Laws of
Florida, amending section 921.141, Florida Statutes (2016), which requires a jury
to unanimously determine that a defendant should be sentenced to death.
Because the Court authorized the interim instructions on its own motion, we
allowed sixty days in which the Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury
Instructions in Criminal Cases (Committee) and other interested persons could file
comments. In re Std. Crim. Jury Instrs. in Capital Cases, 214 So. 3d at 1236-37,
1237 n.2. The Court received numerous comments and a response from the
Committee proposing new amendments to the instructions and a response to the
comments filed with the Court. Based upon the comments, the Committee’s
-2-
response and proposals, and having heard oral argument in this case, we now
further amend the instructions. The more significant amendments to the interim
instructions are discussed below.
First, instruction 3.12(e) (Jury Verdict Form—Death Penalty) is amended
under Section C to change the title from “Statutory Mitigating Circumstances” to
“Mitigating Circumstances.” In addition, as amended, the verdict form under
Section C no longer requires jurors to list the mitigating circumstances found or to
provide the jury vote as to the existence of mitigating circumstances.
Next, with regard to instruction 7.11 (Preliminary Instructions in Penalty
Proceedings—Capital Cases), we amend the interim instruction by renumbering it
from 7.11 to 7.10; under “Give this instruction in all cases,” removing from the
provision “(2) whether one or more aggravating factors exist beyond a reasonable
doubt” because it is duplicative of “(1) whether each aggravating factor is proven
beyond a reasonable doubt”; under “Aggravating Factors,” deleting the word
“recommending” and replacing it with the phrase “a verdict of”; and adding
“unanimously” to the sentence “In order to consider the death penalty as a possible
penalty, you must determine that at least one aggravating factor has been proven
beyond a reasonable doubt.”
We also amend instruction 7.11(a) (Final Instructions in Penalty
Proceedings—Capital Cases) by renumbering it to 7.11. Within that instruction,
-3-
we add the following sentence pertaining to the weighing process: “The next step
in the process is for each of you to determine whether the aggravating factor[s] that
you have unanimously found to exist outweigh[s] the mitigating circumstance[s]
that you have individually found to exist.” In addition, we delete the portion of
instruction 7.11 that directs the jury to “weigh all of the following.”
Accordingly, we authorize the capital case jury instructions for publication
and use as set forth in the appendix to this opinion.2 New language is indicated by
underlining; deleted language is indicated by struck-through type. In authorizing
the publication and use of these instructions, we express no opinion on their
correctness and remind all interested parties that this authorization forecloses
neither requesting additional or alternative instructions nor contesting the legal
correctness of these instructions. The instructions as set forth in the appendix shall
become effective immediately upon the release of this opinion.
We also take this opportunity to thank the Supreme Court Committee on
Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, the Florida Supreme Court’s
2. The amendments as reflected in the appendix are to the Criminal Jury
Instructions as they appear on the Court’s website at www.floridasupremecourt.org
/jury_instructions/instructions.shtml. We recognize that there may be minor
discrepancies between the instructions as they appear on the website and the
published versions of the instructions. Any discrepancies as to instructions
authorized for publication and use after October 25, 2007, should be resolved by
reference to the published opinion of this Court authorizing the instruction.
-4-
Criminal Steering Committee, the faculty of the Handling Capital Cases course, the
Honorable James C. Hankinson, the Honorable James M. Colaw, the Florida
Prosecuting Attorneys Association, the Florida Public Defender Association, the
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Center for Capital
Representation at Florida International University College of Law, and all other
commenters, for their thoughtful consideration, recommendations, and insight in
addressing the complicated issues presented by implementing the death penalty.
This assistance has been invaluable to the Court’s modifications to the interim
instructions.
It is so ordered.
LEWIS, CANADY, POLSTON, and LAWSON, JJ., concur.
PARIENTE, J., concurs in result with an opinion, in which LABARGA, C.J., and
QUINCE, J., concur.
NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION AND,
IF FILED, DETERMINED.
PARIENTE, J., concurring in result.
I concur with each part of the per curiam opinion except its decision to “no
longer require[] jurors to list the mitigating circumstances found or to provide the
jury vote as to the existence of mitigating circumstances” in instruction 3.12(e),
Section C. Per curiam op. at 3. Of course, the per curiam does not preclude the
use of special verdict forms that include all mitigating circumstances proposed
with a place for the jury vote. See per curiam op. at 4 (stating that “all interested
-5-
parties” may “request[] additional or alternative instructions”). Therefore, I would
strongly urge the trial courts, at the request of defendants, to utilize a verdict form
that includes places for the jury’s findings on mitigating circumstances, especially
in light of Hurst.3
By including mitigating circumstances on the standard verdict form, this
Court would enhance uniformity for jury findings as to mitigating circumstances.
Nevertheless, when requested by the defendant, trial courts should follow the
standard verdict form previously promulgated by this Court on an interim basis,
which includes a list of mitigating circumstances proposed by the defendant and a
place for the jury to indicate its vote for each mitigator. In re Std. Crim. Jury
Instrs. in Capital Cases, 214 So. 3d 1236, 1239-40 (Fla. 2017). For reference, I
include in this opinion the relevant language from that form.
Federal Verdict Forms
Based on oral argument and the supplemental authority filed in this case, it
is clear that at least some federal courts use special verdict forms that request the
jury in capital cases to list the mitigating circumstances it found and to indicate the
jury’s vote as to whether each mitigating circumstance was proven.4 Reviewing
3. Hurst v. State (Hurst), 202 So. 3d 40 (Fla. 2016), cert. denied, 137 S. Ct.
2161 (2017).
4. See Notice of Supp. Auth. (Fla. Mar. 8, 2018); see also Standard Jury
Instructions (8th Cir.) at 12.22,
-6-
the supplemental authority in this case—special verdict forms from federal capital
prosecutions in Florida, one of which may be accessed here—demonstrates how
these findings may be useful. Thus, requiring the jury to state its findings for each
mitigating circumstance is consistent with the verdict forms employed by some
federal courts.
Florida Law in Light of Hurst
As the per curiam opinion explains, Florida’s capital sentencing scheme has
substantially changed in light of the United States Supreme Court’s opinion in
Hurst v. Florida, 136 S. Ct. 616 (2016), and our opinion on remand in Hurst.
Hurst made clear that each of the jury’s findings, including mitigation, are
constitutionally significant under the Sixth Amendment to the United States
Constitution and article I, section 22, of the Florida Constitution. See Hurst, 202
So. 3d at 44; see also per curiam op. at 2. Likewise, I have explained several times
since Hurst that the penalty phase jury’s findings on mitigation are critical to the
constitutional imposition of the death penalty, and this Court cannot speculate as to
a jury’s findings of mitigation when reviewing a death sentence. See, e.g., Hannon
v. State, 228 So. 3d 505, 514-19 (Fla.) (Pariente, J., dissenting), cert. denied, 138
S. Ct. 441 (2017); Kaczmar v. State, 228 So. 3d 1, 16-17 (Fla. 2017) (Pariente, J.,
http://www.juryinstructions.ca8.uscourts.gov/sec12.pdf; id. at 12.10 (jury
instructions stating that the special verdict form asks but does not require the jury
“to identify any mitigating factors that any one [juror] finds has been proved”).
-7-
concurring in part and dissenting in part) (joined by Justice Quince), petition for
cert. filed, No. 17-8148 (U.S. Mar. 14, 2018); see also Hurst, 202 So. 3d at 44. As
I did even before Hurst, I now urge the Court, especially in light of Hurst, to fully
correct our standard capital verdict form to ensure the constitutional imposition of
death sentences in this State.5
As I have explained, including the jury’s findings of aggravating factors and
mitigating circumstances “would both facilitate our proportionality review and
satisfy the constitutional guarantee of trial by jury.” Lebron v. State, 982 So. 2d
649, 671 (Fla. 2008) (Pariente, J., concurring); see Coday v. State, 946 So. 2d 988,
1023-25 (Fla. 2006) (Pariente, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part).
Likewise, specially concurring in Aguirre-Jarquin v. State, 9 So. 3d 593 (Fla.
2009), joined by now-Chief Justice Labarga, I explained that some of the most
experienced trial judges in our State use special verdict forms to avoid “the
constitutional concerns with the inability to receive explicit jury findings,” id. at
5. See, e.g., Aguirre-Jarquin v. State, 9 So. 3d 593, 611-13 (Fla. 2009)
(Pariente, J., specially concurring); In re Std. Jury Instrs. in Crim. Cases—Report
No. 2005-2, 22 So. 3d 17, 25-27 (Fla. 2009) (Pariente, J., specially concurring);
Lebron v. State, 982 So. 2d 649, 671 (Fla. 2008) (Pariente, J., concurring);
Franklin v. State, 965 So. 2d 79, 104 (Fla. 2007) (Pariente, J., specially
concurring); Coday v. State, 946 So. 2d 988, 1023-25 (Fla. 2006) (Pariente, J.,
concurring in part and dissenting in part); Huggins v. State, 889 So. 2d 743, 777
(Fla. 2004) (Pariente, J., dissenting).
-8-
611 (Pariente, J., specially concurring), and that “special verdict forms would assist
in this Court’s review of death sentences.” Id. at 613.
Further, I explained in my specially concurring opinion in In re Standard
Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases—Report No. 2005-2, 22 So. 3d 17 (Fla. 2009),
joined by now-Chief Justice Labarga and former Justice Perry:
I also believe that this Court has missed an opportunity to
further enhance the process of imposition of the death penalty by
requiring the use of special verdict forms in the penalty phase so that
the jury could have had the opportunity to record its findings on
aggravators and mitigators—the essential ingredients in the ultimate
decision of whether to impose the death penalty. As the Committee
explained in its initial report, “the trial judge [presently] does not
know how the jury considered the various aggravating and mitigating
circumstances,” and it would be “most helpful to the trial judge [in
preparing the sentencing order] to know how the jury viewed the
evidence presented in the penalty phase,” for this would “provide
valuable assistance in deciding the weight to be given to each
circumstance.” (Emphasis added). . . .
....
I continue to believe that this Court has the authority to require
special interrogatories and since the Court does not believe that it has
that authority, I urge, as did Justice Cantero before me, that there be
changes to the death penalty statute to allow for the use of special
verdict forms.
Id. at 24-27 (Pariente, J., specially concurring).
Thus, even though the majority of this Court does not adopt a standard
verdict form requiring trial courts to list mitigating circumstances and asking the
jury to indicate its findings as to mitigating circumstances, it also does not prevent
these findings. Accordingly, when requested by the defendant, I urge the trial
-9-
courts to use verdict forms that include those findings. See majority op. at 3. In
the interest of uniformity, I urge trial courts to use the following language, which
this Court promulgated after Hurst:6
Mitigating Circumstances:
We the jury find that (mitigating circumstance) was established by the
greater weight of the evidence.
YES
NO
If you answered YES above, please provide the jury vote as to the
existence of (mitigating circumstance).
VOTE OF ____ TO ____.
Repeat for each mitigating circumstance proposed by the defendant.
See In re Std. Crim. Jury Instrs. in Capital Cases, 214 So. 3d at 1239-40.
CONCLUSION
For all of these reasons, I would include mitigating circumstances in the
standard verdict form for the penalty phase of capital cases, including the jury’s
vote as to each mitigating circumstance. Nevertheless, because the majority
deletes these findings in the instructions approved today, I encourage defense
6. The verdict form promulgated by this Court in our prior opinion
separated statutory and nonstatutory mitigating circumstances. See In re Std. Crim.
Jury Instrs. in Capital Cases, 214 So. 3d at 1239-40. After considering the
arguments in this case, I agree with the per curiam that this is no longer necessary
and, therefore, have slightly revised the prior verdict form. Per Curiam op. at 3.
- 10 -
counsel to request and the trial courts to approve, respectively, the inclusion of
these findings on the verdict form. See per curiam op. at 4 (stating that “all
interested parties” may “request[] additional or alternative instructions”).
LABARGA, C.J., and QUINCE, J., concur.
Original Proceeding – Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in
Criminal Cases
Judge Debra Johnes Riva, Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Sarasota, Florida, and Judge
James C. Hankinson on behalf of Handling Capital Cases Faculty, Tallahassee,
Florida; Howard L. “Rex” Dimmig, II, Public Defender, and Peter Mills, Assistant
Public Defender, Chair, Florida Public Defender Association Death Penalty
Steering Committee, Tenth Judicial Circuit, Bartow, Florida; Karen M. Gottlieb on
behalf of Florida Center for Capital Representation at FIU College of Law, Miami,
Florida, and Billy H. Nolas, Chief, Capital Habeas Unit, Federal Public Defender,
Northern District, Tallahassee, Florida, Sonya Rudenstine, Gainesville, Florida,
Luke Newman, Tallahassee, Florida, and William R. Ponall of Ponall Law on
behalf of Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Maitland, Florida;
Robert R. Berry, Tallahassee, Florida; Penny H. Brill, Assistant State Attorney,
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Miami, Florida, and Arthur I. Jacobs of Jacobs Scholz &
Associates, LLC on behalf of Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association,
Fernandina Beach, Florida; Judge F. Rand Wallis, Chair, and Judge James Colaw,
Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases,
Daytona Beach, Florida; and Bart Schneider, Staff Liaison, Office of the State
Courts Administrator, Tallahassee, Florida,
Responding with comments
- 11 -
APPENDIX
3.12(e) JURY VERDICT FORM—DEATH PENALTY
We the jury find as follows as to (Defendant) in this case:
A. Aggravating Factors as to Count ___:
We the jury unanimously find that the State has established beyond a
reasonable doubt the existence of (aggravating factor).
YES _________
NO __________
Repeat this step for each statutory aggravating factor submitted to the jury.
If you answer YES to at least one of the aggravating factors listed, please
proceed to Section B. If you answered NO to every aggravating factor listed,
do not proceed to Section B; (Defendant) is not eligible for the death sentence
and will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
B. Sufficiency of the Aggravating Factors as to Count ___:
Reviewing the aggravating factors that we unanimously found to be
established beyond a reasonable doubt (Section A), we the jury
unanimously find the aggravating factors are sufficient to warrant a
possible sentence of death.
YES _________
NO __________
If you answer YES to Section B, please proceed to Section C. If you answer
NO to Section B, do not proceed to Section C; (Defendant) will be sentenced to
life in prison without the possibility of parole.
C. Statutory Mitigating Circumstances:
We the juryOne or more individual jurors find that (statutoryone or
more mitigating circumstances) was established by the greater weight
of the evidence.
YES _________
NO __________
- 12 -
If you answered YES above, please provide the jury vote as to the
existence of (statutory mitigating circumstance).
VOTE OF ____ TO ____.
Repeat for each statutory mitigating circumstance.
Please proceed to Section D, regardless of your findings in Section C.
D. Eligibility for the Death Penalty for Count ___.
We the jury unanimously find that the aggravating factors that were
proven beyond a reasonable doubt (Section A) outweigh the
mitigating circumstances established (Section C above) as to Count
___.
YES _________
NO __________
If you answered YES to Section D, please proceed to Section E. If you
answered NO to Section D, do not proceed; (Defendant) will be sentenced to
life in prison without the possibility of parole.
E. Jury Verdict as to Death Penalty
Having unanimously found that at least one aggravating factor has
been established beyond a reasonable doubt (Section A), that the
aggravating [factor] [factors] [is] [are] sufficient to warrant a sentence
of death (Section B), and the aggravating [factor] [factors] outweigh
the mitigating circumstances (Section D), we the jury unanimously
find that (Defendant) should be sentenced to death.
YES __________
NO ___________
If NO, our vote to impose a sentence of life is _____ to _____.
If your vote to impose death is less than unanimous, the trial court shall
impose a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
- 13 -
Dated this __________ day of _________, 20__, in ______ County, Florida.
______________________________________________
(Signature of foreperson) / Juror identification number
Comment
This instruction was adopted in 2017 [214 So. 3d 1236] and amended in 2018.
7.110 PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS IN PENALTY PROCEEDINGS —
CAPITAL CASES
§ 921.141, Fla. Stat.
The instruction is designed for first degree murders committed after May 24,
1994, when the Legislature omitted the possibility of parole for anyone convicted
of First Degree Murder. For first degree murders committed before May 25, 1994,
this instruction will have to be modified.
This instruction is to be given immediately before the opening statements in
the penalty phase of a death penalty case.
Give 1a at the beginning of penalty proceedings before a jury that did not
try the issue of guilt. Give bracketed language if the case has been remanded for a
new penalty proceeding. See Hitchcock v. State, 673 So. 2d 859 (Fla. 1996). In
addition, give the jury other appropriate general instructions.
1. a. Members of the jury, the defendant has been found guilty of
____ count[s] of Murder in the First Degree in a previous
proceeding. The only issue before you is to determine the
appropriate sentence. The punishment for this crime is either life
imprisonment without the possibility of parole or death.
Give 1b at the beginning of penalty proceedings before the jury that found
the defendant guilty.
b. Members of the jury, you have found the defendant guilty
of _____ count[s] of Murder in the First Degree. The punishment
for this crime is either life imprisonment without the possibility of
parole or death.
- 14 -
For murders committed before May 25, 1994, the following paragraph
should be modified to comply with the statute in effect at the time the crime was
committed. If the jury inquires whether the defendant will receive credit for time
served against a sentence of life without possibility of parole for 25 years, the
court should instruct that the defendant will receive credit for all time served but
that there is no guarantee the defendant will be granted parole either upon serving
25 years or subsequently. See Green v. State, 907 So. 2d 489, 496 (Fla. 2005).
2. The punishment for this crime is either life imprisonment
without the possibility of parole or death.
Give this instruction in all cases.
The attorneys will now have an opportunity, if they wish, to make an
opening statement. The opening statement gives the attorneys a chance to tell
you what evidence they believe will be presented during the penalty phase of
this trial. What the lawyers say during opening statements is not evidence,
and you are not to consider it as such. After the attorneys have had the
opportunity to present their opening statements, the State and the defendant
may present evidence relative to the nature of the crime and the defendant’s
character, background, or life. You are instructed that this evidence [, along
with the evidence that you heard during the guilt phase of this trial,] is
presented in order for you to determine, as you will be instructed, (1) whether
each aggravating factor is proven beyond a reasonable doubt; (2) whether one
or more aggravating factors exist beyond a reasonable doubt; (3) whether the
aggravating factors found to exist beyond a reasonable doubt are sufficient to
justify the imposition of the death penalty; (43) whether mitigating
circumstances are proven by the greater weight of the evidence; (54) whether
the aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating circumstances; and (65)
whether the defendant should be sentenced to life imprisonment without the
possibility of parole or death. At the conclusion of the evidence and after
argument of counsel, you will be instructed on the law that will guide your
deliberations.
Aggravating Factors:
An aggravating factor is a standard to guide the jury in making the
choice between recommendinga verdict of life imprisonment without the
possibility of parole or death. It is a statutorily enumerated circumstance that
increases the gravity of a crime or the harm to a victim.
You must unanimously agree that each aggravating factor was proven
beyond a reasonable doubt before it may be considered by you in arriving at
- 15 -
your final verdict. In order to consider the death penalty as a possible
penalty, you must unanimously determine that at least one aggravating factor
has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The State has the burden to prove each aggravating factor beyond a
reasonable doubt. A reasonable doubt is not a mere possible doubt, a
speculative, imaginary, or forced doubt. Such a doubt must not influence you
to disregard an aggravating factor if you have an abiding conviction that it
exists. On the other hand, if, after carefully considering, comparing, and
weighing all the evidence, you do not have an abiding conviction that the
aggravating factor exists, or if, having a conviction, it is one which is not
stable but one which wavers and vacillates, then the aggravating factor has
not been proved beyond everya reasonable doubt and you must not consider it
in providing your verdict on the appropriate sentence to the court.
A reasonable doubt as to the existence of an aggravating factor may
arise from the evidence, conflicts in the evidence, or the lack of evidence. If
you have a reasonable doubt as to the existence of an aggravating factor, you
must find that it does not exist. However, if you have no reasonable doubt,
you should find that the aggravating factor does exist.
Before moving on to the mitigating circumstances, you must determine
that the aggravating factor[s] [is] [are] sufficient to impose a sentence of
death. If you do not unanimously agree that the aggravating factor[s] [is]
[are] sufficient to impose death, do not move on to consider the mitigating
circumstances.
Mitigating Circumstances:
Should you find sufficient aggravating factors do exist to justify
recommending the imposition of the death penalty, it will then be your duty to
determine whether the aggravating factors that you unanimously find to have
been proven beyond a reasonable doubt outweigh the mitigating
circumstances that you find to have been established. Unlike aggravating
factors, you do not need to unanimously agree that a mitigating circumstance
has been established. Rather, whether a mitigating circumstance has been
established is an individual judgment by each juror.
A mitigating circumstance is not limited to the facts surrounding the
crime. It can be anything in the life of the defendant which might indicate
that the death penalty is not appropriate for the defendant. In other words, a
- 16 -
mitigating circumstance may include any aspect of the defendant’s character,
background, or life or any circumstance of the offense that reasonably may
indicate that the death penalty is not an appropriate sentence in this case.
A mitigating circumstance need not be proven beyond a reasonable
doubt by the defendant. A mitigating circumstance need only be proven by
the greater weight of the evidence, which means evidence that more likely
than not tends to prove the existence of a mitigating circumstance. If you
determine by the greater weight of the evidence that a mitigating
circumstance exists, you may consider it established and give that evidence
such weight as you determine it should receive in reaching your conclusion as
to the sentence to be imposed.
Comments
The court may instruct jurors regarding victim impact evidence or other
sections of the final instructions (#7.11) as part of the preliminary instruction.
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 1985 [477 So. 2d 985],
1989 [543 So. 2d 1205], 1991 [579 So. 2d 75], 1992 [603 So. 2d 1175], 1994 [639
So. 2d 602], 1995 [665 So. 2d 212], 1996 [678 So. 2d 1224], 1997 [690 So. 2d
1263], 1998 [723 So. 2d 123], 2009 [22 So. 3d 17], 2014 [146 So. 3d 1110], and
2017 [214 So. 3d 1236], and 2018.
7.11(a) FINAL INSTRUCTIONS IN PENALTY PROCEEDINGS —
CAPITAL CASES
§ 921.141, Fla. Stat.
This instruction should be given after the closing arguments in the penalty
phase of a death penalty trial. The instruction is designed for first degree murders
committed after May 24, 1994, when the Legislature omitted the possibility of
parole for anyone convicted of First Degree Murder. For first degree murders
committed before May 25, 1994, this instruction will have to be modified.
Members of the jury, you have heard all the evidence and the argument
of counsel. It is now your duty to make a decision as to the appropriate
sentence that should be imposed upon the defendant for the crime of First
Degree Murder. There are two possible punishments: (1) life imprisonment
without the possibility of parole, or (2) death.
- 17 -
In making your decision, you must first unanimously determine
whether the aggravating factor[s] alleged by the State [has] [have] been
proven beyond a reasonable doubt. An aggravating factor is a circumstance
that increases the gravity of a crime or the harm to a victim. No facts other
than proven aggravating factors may be considered in support of a death
sentence.
Aggravating factors. § 921.141(6), Fla. Stat.
The aggravating factor[s] alleged by the State [is] [are]:
Give only those aggravating factors noticed by the State which are
supported by the evidence.
1. (Defendant) was previously convicted of a felony and [under
sentence of imprisonment] [on community control] [on felony
probation].
2. (Defendant) was previously convicted of [another capital felony] [a
felony involving the [use] [threat] of violence to another person].
Give 2a or 2b as applicable.
a. The crime of (previous crime) is a capital felony.
b. The crime of (previous crime) is a felony involving the [use]
[threat] of violence to another person.
3. (Defendant) knowingly created a great risk of death to many
persons.
4. The First Degree Murder was committed while (defendant) was
[engaged] [an accomplice] in [the commission of] [an attempt to
commit] [flight after committing or attempting to commit]
any
Check § 921.141(6)(d), Fla. Stat., for any change in list of offenses.
[robbery].
[sexual battery].
[aggravated child abuse].
[abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult resulting in great bodily
harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement].
- 18 -
[arson].
[burglary].
[kidnapping].
[aircraft piracy].
[unlawful throwing, placing or discharging of a destructive device or
bomb].
Check § 921.141(6)(d), Fla. Stat., for any change in list of offenses.
5. The First Degree Murder was committed for the purpose of
avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest or effecting an escape from
custody.
6. The First Degree Murder was committed for financial gain.
7. The First Degree Murder was committed to disrupt or hinder the
lawful exercise of any governmental function or the enforcement of
laws.
8. The First Degree Murder was especially heinous, atrocious or
cruel.
“Heinous” means extremely wicked or shockingly evil.
“Atrocious” means outrageously wicked and vile.
“Cruel” means designed to inflict a high degree of pain with utter
indifference to, or even enjoyment of, the suffering of others.
The kind of crime intended to be included as especially heinous,
atrocious, or cruel is one accompanied by additional acts that
show that the crime was conscienceless or pitiless and was
unnecessarily torturous to (decedent).
9. The First Degree Murder was committed in a cold, calculated,
and premeditated manner, without any pretense of moral or legal
justification.
“Cold” means the murder was the product of calm and cool
reflection.
- 19 -
“Calculated” means having a careful plan or prearranged design
to commit murder.
A killing is “premeditated” if it occurs after the defendant
consciously decides to kill. The decision must be present in the
mind at the time of the killing. The law does not fix the exact
period of time that must pass between the formation of the
premeditated intent to kill and the killing. The period of time
must be long enough to allow reflection by the defendant. The
premeditated intent to kill must be formed before the killing.
However, in order for this aggravating factor to apply, a
heightened level of premeditation, demonstrated by a substantial
period of reflection, is required.
A “pretense of moral or legal justification” is any claim of
justification or excuse that, though insufficient to reduce the
degree of murder, nevertheless rebuts the otherwise cold,
calculated, or premeditated nature of the murder.
10. (Decedent) was a law enforcement officer engaged in the
performance of [his] [her] official duties.
11. (Decedent) was an elected or appointed public official engaged in
the performance of [his] [her] official duties, if the motive for the First
Degree Murder was related, in whole or in part, to (decedent’s) official
capacity.
12. (Decedent) was a person less than 12 years of age.
13. (Decedent) was particularly vulnerable due to advanced age or
disability, or because (defendant) stood in a position of familial or
custodial authority over (decedent).
With the following aggravating factor, definitions as appropriate from
§ 874.03, Fla. Stat., must be given.
14. The First Degree Murder was committed by a criminal street
gang member.
- 20 -
15. The First Degree Murder was committed by a person designated
as a sexual predator or a person previously designated as a sexual
predator who had the sexual predator designation removed.
16. The First Degree Murder was committed by a person subject to
[a domestic violence injunction issued by a Florida judge],
[a [repeat] [sexual] [dating] violence injunction issued by a
Florida judge],
[a protection order issued from [another state] [the District of
Columbia] [an Indian tribe] [a commonwealth, territory, or
possession of the United States]],
and
the victim of the First Degree Murder was [the person] [a [spouse]
[child] [sibling] [parent] of the person] who obtained the
[injunction] [protective order].
Merging aggravating factors. Give the following paragraph if applicable.
For example, the aggravating circumstances that 1) the murder was committed
during the course of a robbery and 2) the murder was committed for financial
gain, relate to the same aspect of the offense and may be considered as only a
single aggravating circumstance. Castro v. State, 597 So. 2d 259 (Fla. 1992).
Pursuant to Florida law, the aggravating factors of (insert aggravating
factor) and (insert aggravating factor) are considered to merge because they are
considered to be a single aspect of the offense. If you unanimously determine
that the aggravating factors of (insert aggravating factor) and (insert
aggravating factor) have both been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, your
findings should indicate that both aggravating factors exist, but you must
consider them as only one aggravating factor.
Victim-impact evidence. Give if applicable. Also, give at the time victim
impact evidence is admitted, if requested.
You have heard evidence about the impact of this murder on the
[family] [friends] [community] of (decedent). This evidence was presented to
show the victim’s uniqueness as an individual and the resultant loss by
(decedent’s) death. However, you may not consider this evidence as an
aggravating factor.
- 21 -
Give in all cases.
As explained before the presentation of evidence, the State has the
burden to prove an aggravating factor beyond a reasonable doubt. A
reasonable doubt is not a mere possible doubt, a speculative, imaginary, or
forced doubt. Such a doubt must not influence you to disregard an
aggravating factor if you have an abiding conviction that it exists. On the
other hand, if, after carefully considering, comparing, and weighing all the
evidence, you do not have an abiding conviction that the aggravating factor
exists, or if, having a conviction, it is one which is not stable but one which
waivers and vacillates, then the aggravating factor has not been proved
beyond everya reasonable doubt and you must not consider it in providing a
verdict.
A reasonable doubt as to the existence of an aggravating factor may
arise from the evidence, a conflict in the evidence, or the lack of evidence. If
you have a reasonable doubt as to the existence of an aggravating factor, you
must find that it does not exist. However, if you have no reasonable doubt, you
should find the aggravating factor does exist.
A finding that an aggravating factor exists must be unanimous, that is,
all of you must agree that [the] [each] presented aggravating factor exists. You
will be provided a form to make this finding [as to each alleged aggravating
factor] and you should indicate whether or not you find [the] [each]
aggravating factor has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you do not unanimously find that at least one aggravating factor was
proven by the State beyond a reasonable doubt, then the defendant is not
eligible for the death penalty, and your verdict must be for a sentence of life
imprisonment without the possibility for parole. At such point, your
deliberations are complete.
If, however, you unanimously find that [one or more] [the] aggravating
factor[s] [has] [have] been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, then the
defendant is eligible for the death penalty, and you must make additional
findings to determine whether the appropriate sentence to be imposed is life
imprisonment without the possibility of parole or death.
Mitigating circumstances. § 921.141(7), Fla. Stat.
If you do unanimously find the existence of at least one aggravating
factor and that the aggravating factor[(s)] [is] [are] sufficient to impose a
- 22 -
sentence of death, the next step in the process is for you to determine whether
any mitigating circumstances exist. A mitigating circumstance is anything that
supports a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, and
can be anything in the life of the defendant which might indicate that the
death penalty is not appropriate. It is not limited to the facts surrounding the
crime. A mitigating circumstance may include any aspect of the defendant’s
character, background, or life or any circumstance of the offense that may
reasonably indicate that the death penalty is not an appropriate sentence in
this case.
It is the defendant’s burden to prove that one or more mitigating
circumstances exist. Mitigating circumstances do not need to be proven
beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead, the defendant need only establish a
mitigating circumstance by the greater weight of the evidence, which means
evidence that more likely than not tends to establish the existence of a
mitigating circumstance. If you determine by the greater weight of the
evidence that a mitigating circumstance exists, you must consider it
established and give that evidence such weight as you determine it should
receive in reaching your verdict about the appropriate sentence to be
imposed. Any juror persuaded as to the existence of a mitigating circumstance
must consider it in this case.
Among the mitigating circumstances you may consider are:
Give only those mitigating circumstances for which evidence has been
presented.
1. (Defendant) has no significant history of prior criminal activity.
If the defendant offers evidence on this circumstance and the State, in
rebuttal, offers evidence of other crimes, also give the following:
Conviction of (previous crime) is not an aggravating factor to be
considered in determining the penalty to be imposed on the defendant, but a
conviction of that crime may be considered by the jury in determining
whether the defendant has a significant history of prior criminal activity.
2. The First Degree Murder was committed while (defendant) was
under the influence of extreme mental or emotional disturbance.
3. (Decedent) was a participant in (defendant’s) conduct or consented
to the act.
- 23 -
4. (Defendant) was an accomplice in the First Degree Murder
committed by another person and [his] [her] participation was
relatively minor.
5. (Defendant) acted under extreme duress or under the substantial
domination of another person.
6. The capacity of (defendant) to appreciate the criminality of [his]
[her] conduct or to conform [his] [her] conduct to the requirements of
law was substantially impaired.
7. (Defendant’s) age at the time of the crime.
The judge should also instruct on any additional mitigating circumstances
as requested.
8. The existence of any other factors in (defendant’s) character,
background, or life or the circumstances of the offense that would
mitigate against the imposition of the death penalty.
It is the defendant’s burden to prove that mitigating circumstances
exist. As explained before these proceedings, the defendant need only establish
a mitigating circumstance by the greater weight of the evidence, which means
evidence that more likely than not tends to establish the existence of a
mitigating circumstance. If you determine by the greater weight of the
evidence that a mitigating circumstance exists, you must consider it
established and give that evidence such weight as you determine it should
receive in reaching your verdict about the appropriate sentence to be
imposed. Any juror persuaded as to the existence of a mitigating circumstance
must consider it in this case. Further, any juror may consider a mitigating
circumstance found by another juror, even if he or she did not find that factor
to be mitigating.
Your decision regarding the appropriate sentence should be based upon
proven aggravating factors and established mitigating circumstances that
have been presented to you during these proceedings. You will now engage in
a weighing process.
Merging aggravating factors. Give the following paragraph if applicable.
For example, the aggravating circumstances that 1) the murder was committed
during the course of a robbery and 2) the murder was committed for financial
- 24 -
gain, relate to the same aspect of the offense and may be considered as only a
single aggravating circumstance. Castro v. State, 597 So. 2d 259 (Fla. 1992).
Pursuant to Florida law, the aggravating factors of (insert aggravating
factor) and (insert aggravating factor) are considered to merge because they are
considered to be a single aspect of the offense. If you unanimously determine
that the aggravating factors of (insert aggravating factor) and (insert
aggravating factor) have both been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, your
findings should indicate that both aggravating factors exist, but you must
consider them as only one aggravating factor during the weighing process that
I am about to explain to you.
You must weigh all of the following:
a. Whether the aggravating factor[s] found to exist [is] [are] sufficient
to justify the death penalty,
b. Whether the aggravating factor[s] outweigh[s] any mitigating
circumstance[s] found to exist, and
c. Based on all of the considerations pursuant to these instructions,
whether the defendant should be sentenced to life imprisonment
without the possibility of parole or death.
The next step in the process is for each of you to determine whether the
aggravating factor[s] that you have unanimously found to exist outweigh[s]
the mitigating circumstance[s] that you have individually found to exist. The
process of weighing aggravating factors and mitigating circumstances is not a
mechanical or mathematical process. In other words, you should not merely
total the number of aggravating factors and compare that number to the total
number of mitigating circumstances. The law contemplates that different
factors or circumstances may be given different weight or values by different
jurors. Therefore, in your decision-making process, each individual juror
must decide what weight is to be given to a particular factor or circumstance.
Regardless of the results of each juror’s individual weighing process—even if
you find that the sufficient aggravators outweigh the mitigators—the law
neither compels nor requires you to determine that the defendant should be
sentenced to death.
Once each juror has weighed the proven factors, he or she must
determine the appropriate punishment for the defendant. The jury’s decision
regarding the appropriate sentence must be unanimous if death is to be
imposed. To repeat what I have said, if your verdict is that the defendant
should be sentenced to death, your finding that each aggravating factor exists
- 25 -
must be unanimous, your finding that the aggravating factors are sufficient to
impose death must be unanimous, and your finding that the aggravating
factor[(s)] found to exist outweigh the established mitigating circumstances
must be unanimous, and your decision if to impose a sentence of death must
be unanimous.
You will be provided a form to reflect your findings and decision
regarding the appropriate sentence. If your vote on the appropriate sentence
is less than unanimous, the defendant will be sentenced to life in prison
without the possibility of parole.
The fact that the jury can make its decision on a single ballot should not
influence you to act hastily or without due regard to the gravity of these
proceedings. Before you vote, you should carefully consider and weigh the
evidence, realizing that a human life is at stake, and bring your best judgment
to bear in reaching your verdict.
Weighing the evidence.
When considering aggravating factors and mitigating circumstances, it
is up to you to decide which evidence is reliable. You should use your common
sense in deciding which is the best evidence and which evidence should not be
relied upon in making your decision as to what sentence should be imposed.
You may find some of the evidence not reliable, or less reliable than other
evidence.
You should consider how the witnesses acted, as well as what they said.
Some things you should consider are:
1. Did the witness seem to have an opportunity to see and know the
things about which the witness testified?
2. Did the witness seem to have an accurate memory?
3. Was the witness honest and straightforward in answering the
attorneys’ questions?
4. Did the witness have some interest in how the case should be
decided?
- 26 -
5. Did the witness’s testimony agree with the other testimony and
other evidence in the case?
Give as applicable.
6. Had the witness been offered or received any money, preferred
treatment or other benefit in order to get the witness to testify?
7. Had any pressure or threat been used against the witness that
affected the truth of the witness’s testimony?
8. Did the witness at some other time make a statement that is
inconsistent with the testimony he or she gave in court?
9. Has the witness been convicted of a felony or of a misdemeanor
involving [dishonesty] [false statement]?
10. Does the witness have a general reputation for [dishonesty]
[truthfulness]?
Law enforcement witness.
The fact that a witness is employed in law enforcement does not mean
that [his] [her] testimony deserves more or less consideration than that of any
other witness.
Expert witnesses.
Expert witnesses are like other witnesses with one exception—the law
permits an expert witness to give an opinion. However, an expert’s opinion is
only reliable when given on a subject about which you believe that person to
be an expert. Like other witnesses, you may believe or disbelieve all or any
part of an expert’s testimony.
- 27 -
Accomplices and Informants.
You must consider the testimony of some witnesses with more caution
than others. For example, a witness who [claims to have helped the defendant
commit a crime] [has been promised immunity from prosecution] [hopes to
gain more favorable treatment in his or her own case] may have a reason to
make a false statement in order to strike a good bargain with the State. This is
particularly true when there is no other evidence tending to agree with what
the witness says about the defendant. So, while a witness of that kind may be
entirely truthful when testifying, you should consider [his] [her] testimony
with more caution than the testimony of other witnesses.
Child witness.
You have heard the testimony of a child. No witness is disqualified just
because of age. There is no precise age that determines whether a witness may
testify. The critical consideration is not the witness’s age, but whether the
witness understands the difference between what is true and what is not true,
and understands the duty to tell the truth.
Give only if the defendant testified.
The defendant in this case has become a witness. You should apply the
same rules to consideration of [his] [her] testimony that you apply to the
testimony of the other witnesses.
Witness talked to lawyer.
It is entirely proper for a lawyer to talk to a witness about what
testimony the witness would give if called to the courtroom. The witness
should not be discredited by talking to a lawyer about [his] [her] testimony.
Give in all cases.
You may rely upon your own conclusion about the credibility of any
witness. A juror may believe or disbelieve all or any part of the evidence or
the testimony of any witness.
Give only if the defendant did not testify.
The defendant exercised a fundamental right by choosing not to be a
witness in this case. You must not be influenced in any way by [his] [her]
decision. No juror should ever be concerned that the defendant did or did not
take the witness stand to give testimony in the case.
- 28 -
Rules for deliberation.
These are some general rules that apply to your discussions. You must
follow these rules in order to make a lawful decision.
1. You must follow the law as it is set out in these instructions. If you
fail to follow the law, your decisions will be a miscarriage of justice.
There is no reason for failing to follow the law in this case. All of us are
depending upon you to make wise and legal decisions in this matter.
2. Your decisions must be based only upon the evidence that you
have heard from the testimony of the witnesses, [have seen in the form
of the exhibits in evidence,] and these instructions.
3. Your decisions must not be based upon the fact that you feel sorry
for anyone or are angry at anyone.
4. Remember, the lawyers are not on trial. Your feelings about them
should not influence your decisions.
Give #5 if applicable.
5. The jury is not to discuss any question[s] that [a juror] [jurors]
wrote that [was] [were] not asked by the Court, and must not hold that
against either party.
6. Your decisions should not be influenced by feelings of prejudice
or racial or ethnic bias, or sympathy. Your decisions must be based on
the evidence and the law contained in these instructions.
Victim-impact evidence.
You have heard evidence about the impact of this murder on the
[family] [friends] [community] of (decedent). This evidence was presented to
show the victim’s uniqueness as an individual and the resultant loss by
(decedent’s) death. However, you may not consider this evidence as an
aggravating factor. Your decisions must be based on the aggravating factor[s],
the mitigating circumstance[s], and the weighing process upon which you have
been instructed.
Submitting case to jurors.
In just a few moments you will be taken to the jury room by the [court
deputy] [bailiff]. When you have reached decisions in conformity with these
- 29 -
instructions, the appropriate form[s] should be signed and dated by your
foreperson.
During deliberations, jurors must communicate about the case only
with one another and only when all jurors are present in the jury room. You
are not to communicate with any person outside the jury about this case, and
you must not talk about this case in person or through the telephone, writing,
or electronic communication, such as a blog, Twitter, e-mail, text message, or
any other means.
Give if judge has allowed jurors to keep their electronic devices during the
penalty phase.
Many of you may have cell phones, tablets, laptops, or other electronic
devices here in the courtroom. The rules do not allow you to bring your
phones or any of those types of electronic devices into the jury room. Kindly
leave those devices on your seats where they will be guarded by the [court
deputy] [bailiff] while you deliberate.
Do not contact anyone to assist you during deliberations. These
communications rules apply until I discharge you at the end of the case. If
you become aware of any violation of these instructions or any other
instruction I have given in this case, you must tell me by giving a note to the
[court deputy] [bailiff].
Give if applicable.
During this trial, [an item] [items] [was] [were] received into evidence as
[an] exhibit[s]. You may examine whatever exhibit[s] you think will help you
in your deliberations.
Give a or b as appropriate.
a. The[se] exhibit[s] will be sent into the jury room with you
when you begin to deliberate.
b. If you wish to see an[y] exhibit[s], please request that in
writing.
I cannot participate in your deliberations in any way. Please disregard
anything I may have said or done that made you think I preferred one
decision over another. If you need to communicate with me, send a note
through the [court deputy] [bailiff], signed by the foreperson. If you have
- 30 -
questions, I will talk with the attorneys before I answer, so it may take some
time. You may continue your deliberations while you wait for my answer. I
will answer any questions, if I can, in writing or orally here in open court.
In closing, let me remind you that it is important that you follow the law
spelled out in these instructions. There are no other laws that apply to this
case. Even if you do not like the laws that must be applied, you must use them.
For more than two centuries we have lived by the constitution and the law. No
juror has the right to violate rules we all share.
Comment
This instruction was adopted in 2017 [214 So. 3d 1236] and amended in
2018.
7.12 DIALOGUE FOR POLLING THE JURY (DEATH PENALTY CASE)
Members of the jury, we are going to ask each of you individually about
the verdict[s] that you have just heard. The question[s] pertain to whether the
verdict[s], as read by the clerk, [was] [were] correctly stated.
The following question is to be asked of each juror if the verdict is for the
death penalty:
Do you, [((name of juror))] [juror number (number of juror))], agree that each
of the findings in the verdict form is yours?
The following question is to be asked of each juror if the verdict is for a life
sentence:
Do you, [((name of juror))] [juror number (number of juror))], agree that at
least one member of the jury voted for a sentence of life imprisonment without
the possibility of parole?
Comment
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and was amended in 1997, and 2017
[214 So. 3d 1236], and 2018.
- 31 -