Adam Matos Trial Penalty Phase Jury Instructions | Summary and Q&A

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November 20, 2017
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Law&Crime Network
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Adam Matos Trial Penalty Phase Jury Instructions

TL;DR

This content explains the process for determining whether the defendant should receive life imprisonment or the death penalty in a murder trial.

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Key Insights

  • 👻 Opening statements allow attorneys to shape the jury's perception of the evidence.
  • 🧑‍🏭 Aggravating factors increase the gravity of the crime and harm to the victim.
  • 🧑‍🏭 Jurors must determine if the aggravating factors are sufficient to impose the death penalty.
  • 🛟 Mitigating circumstances can include any aspect of the defendant's character, background, or life.
  • 👍 Mitigating circumstances need to be proven by the greater weight of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • 🧑‍🏭 Jurors consider if aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating circumstances.
  • 🖤 Reasonable doubt can arise from evidence conflicts, lack of evidence, or uncertainty in the jury's conviction.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the opening statement?

The opening statement allows attorneys to outline the evidence they expect to present during the penalty phase, setting the stage for the jury's decision.

Q: Is the information presented during the opening statement considered evidence?

No, the attorneys' statements are not considered evidence and should not be considered by the jury when reaching their final verdict.

Q: How should the jury consider aggravating factors?

Jurors must unanimously agree that each aggravating factor was proved beyond a reasonable doubt before considering it in their final verdict.

Q: What is the burden of proof for the state regarding aggravating factors?

The state has the burden to prove each aggravating factor beyond a reasonable doubt, which requires more than speculative or imaginary doubt.

Summary & Key Takeaways

  • Opening statements allow attorneys to preview the evidence they believe will be presented during the penalty phase of the trial.

  • The state and defense can present evidence regarding the nature of the crime and the defendant's character, background, or life.

  • Jurors must determine if aggravating factors are proved beyond a reasonable doubt, if mitigating circumstances exist, and if the aggravating factors outweigh the mitigating circumstances.

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