Modifies provisions relating to jury instructions for the offense of murder in the first degree
Impact
If enacted, this bill will significantly impact the legal process concerning first-degree murder cases in Missouri. Under the new provisions, trials will consist of two distinct stages; the first to determine guilt or innocence, and the second to focus solely on punishment if the defendant is found guilty. By separating these stages, the law aims to streamline the judicial process and ensure that jurors are not influenced by punishment considerations during the guilt phase.
Summary
Senate Bill 1169 aims to modify existing provisions related to jury instructions for the offense of murder in the first degree. The bill proposes a repeal of section 565.030, which currently outlines how murder cases are to be submitted for jury consideration and how trials proceed when the death penalty is involved. The fundamental purpose of SB1169 is to clarify and redefine the stages of a trial when a defendant is charged with first-degree murder, particularly emphasizing the process regarding the penalty phase.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB1169 relates to how it addresses defendants with intellectual disabilities. The bill allows for a pre-trial determination of a defendant's intellectual capacity, shaping the circumstances under which the court can assess punishment. Critics may argue that this provision could lead to potential biases in determining whether defendants are eligible for the death penalty, thereby raising ethical concerns about fairness in trials involving individuals with such disabilities.