Law Commons^™

Double Jeopardy And The Death Penalty: A Fundamental Constitutional Protection With Life Or Death Consequences, Kristen Lindsay Todd

Campbell Law Review

What is the effect of a deadlocked jury in a sentencing hearing for the application of the death penalty on the termination of jeopardy? This comment will explore this issue as presented in Sattazahn v. Pennsylvania, and analyze not only the arguments made in both the majority and dissenting opinions, but other considerations which arise when deciding if double jeopardy protections should apply. Also considered in the comment is the effect of the Sattazahn decision on future criminal defendants. What consequences will this decision have for the death row defendant when trying to decide whether to appeal his possibly erroneous …