darden wainwright argued january decided june jury trial florida petitioner found guilty murder robbery assault intent kill pursuant florida capital sentencing statute jury heard testimony argument made nonbinding recommendation death penalty imposed trial judge followed recommendation florida affirmed conviction sentence rejecting petitioner contention prosecution closing argument guilt phase trial rendered trial fundamentally unfair deprived sentencing determination reliability required eighth amendment also rejected petitioner contention trial erred excluding member venire cause basis affirmative response judge question voir dire moral religious conscientious moral religious principles opposition death penalty strong unable without violating principles vote recommend death penalty regardless facts subsequent federal habeas corpus proceedings petitioner raised claims well additional claim denied effective assistance counsel sentencing phase trial district denied relief appeals ultimately affirmed district judgment aspects held record jury voir dire viewed entirety shows trial decision exclude juror involved proper wainwright witt held proper test whether juror views capital punishment prevent substantially impair performance duties juror accordance instructions oath petitioner argument issue rested solely wording question quoted trial asked juror excluding however proper determination issue requires examination context surrounding juror exclusion record shows prior individual questioning trial told entire venire questioned point juror question present repeatedly stated correct standard questioning individual members panel pp record also supports rejection petitioner contention prosecution closing argument prosecution argument included improper remarks indicated petitioner weekend furlough earlier prison sentence crime involved occurred implied death penalty guarantee future similar act referred petitioner animal reflected emotional reaction case however relevant question whether comments infected trial unfairness make resulting conviction denial due process viewed standard prosecution comments deprive petitioner fair trial comments manipulate misstate evidence implicate specific rights accused much objectionable content responsive opening summation defense available state procedural rule moreover defense counsel able use final rebuttal argument turn much prosecution closing argument pp respect claim ineffective assistance counsel sentencing phase trial petitioner failed satisfy first part test set forth strickland washington trial counsels performance fell objective standard reasonableness merit petitioner contention trial counsel devoted time close guilt phase trial start penalty phase approximately hour prepare case mitigation record indicates great deal time effort went defense case significant portion time devoted preparation sentencing moreover defendant must overcome presumption circumstances challenged action counsel might considered sound trial strategy petitioner overcome presumption record shows several reasons counsel reasonably chosen rely simple plea mercy petitioner rather attempt introduce mitigating evidence pp powell delivered opinion burger white rehnquist joined burger filed concurring opinion post brennan filed dissenting opinion post blackmun filed dissenting opinion brennan marshall stevens joined post robert augustus harper argued cause filed briefs petitioner richard prospect assistant attorney general florida argued cause respondent brief jim smith attorney general justice powell delivered opinion case presents three questions concerning validity petitioner criminal conviction death sentence whether exclusion cause member venire violated principles announced wainwright witt ii whether prosecution closing argument guilt phase bifurcated trial rendered trial fundamentally unfair deprived sentencing determination reliability required eighth amendment iii whether petitioner denied effective assistance counsel sentencing phase trial petitioner tried found guilty murder robbery assault intent kill circuit citrus county florida january pursuant florida capital sentencing statute jury convicted petitioner heard testimony argument order make nonbinding recommendation whether death sentence imposed jury recommended death sentence trial judge followed recommendation direct appeal florida affirmed conviction sentence petitioner made several arguments appeal makes respect prosecutorial misconduct claim disapproved closing argument reasoned law required new trial cases reasonably evident remarks might influenced jury reach severe verdict guilt comment unfair darden state concluded comments rendered petitioner trial unfair petitioner challenge juror exclusion rejected without comment petitioner time raise claim ineffective assistance counsel granted certiorari limited grant claim prosecutorial misconduct heard oral argument dismissed writ improvidently granted petitioner sought federal habeas corpus relief raising claims raises district denied petition darden wainwright supp md divided panel appeals eleventh circuit affirmed darden wainwright appeals granted rehearing en banc affirmed district equally divided following second rehearing en banc appeals reversed claim improper excusal member venire granted state petition certiorari claim vacated appeals judgment remanded reconsideration light wainwright witt remand en banc denied relief petitioner filed application stay execution treated petition certiorari granted time staying execution affirm ii nature petitioner claims facts case stated detail normally necessary september black adult male entered carl furniture store near lakeland florida person store proprietor turman lived husband house behind store turman worked nights juvenile home awakened cup coffee store wife returned home let dogs run turman showed man around store stated interested purchasing worth furniture rental unit asked see several different items left store briefly stating wife back look items man returned minutes later asking see stoves inquiring price turman turned toward adding machine grabbed pressed gun back saying say wo get hurt took rear store told open cash register took money ordered part store box springs mattresses stacked wall time turman appeared back door turman screamed man reached across right shoulder shot turman eyes turman fell backwards one foot partially building ordering turman move man tried pull turman building close door one turman feet caught door man left turman faceup rain told turman get floor approximately five feet husband lay dying begged go husband told remove false teeth unzipped pants unbuckled belt demanded turman perform oral sex began cry lord mercy told get go towards front store meanwhile neighbor family arnolds became aware something happened turman mother sent son phillip employee furniture store help phillip reached back door saw turman lying partially building phillip opened door take turman body inside turman shouted phillip go back phillip know meant asked man help get turman inside replied sure buddy help phillip looked man pointing gun face pulled trigger gun misfired pulled trigger shot phillip mouth phillip started run away shot neck still running shot third time side despite wounds phillip managed stumble home neighbor edith hill husband call ambulance tried stop phillip bleeding helping phillip saw late model green chevrolet leave store head towards tampa state highway phillip survived incident turman never regained consciousness died later night minutes murder petitioner driving towards tampa highway miles away furniture store furlough florida prison driving car borrowed girl friend tampa driving fast wet road petitioner testified came line cars lane unable slow attempted pass forced road avoid collision oncoming car petitioner crashed telephone pole driver oncoming car john stone stopped car went petitioner see help stone testified approached car petitioner zipping pants buckling belt police crash site later identified petitioner car chevrolet impala greenish golden brown color petitioner paid bystander give ride tampa petitioner later returned wrecker find car towed away police time police arrived scene accident petitioner left fact car matched description car leaving scene murder accident occurred within three miles furniture store within minutes murder led police suspect car driven murderer searched area officer found pistol revolver feet crash site arrangement shells within chambers exactly matched pattern found murder weapon one shot one misfire followed three shots live shell remaining next chamber fired specialist federal bureau investigation examined pistol testified smith wesson special revolver manufactured standard later sent england rebored making much rarer type gun standard examination bullet killed turman revealed came smith wesson special day following murder petitioner arrested girl friend house tampa days later turman identified preliminary hearing husband murderer phillip arnold selected petitioner picture spread six photographs man shot time public defender appointed represent petitioner petitioner arguments relate incidents course trial taken together relevant facts chronological order iii petitioner contends one member venire murphy excluded improperly test enunciated wainwright witt case modified opinion witherspoon illinois witherspoon held potential jurors may excused cause opposition death penalty automatically vote sentence death impaired task determining defendant guilt witt held proper test whether juror views capital punishment prevent substantially impair performance duties juror accordance instructions oath quoting adams texas witt also made clear trial judge determination potential juror impermissibly biased factual finding entitled presumption correctness petitioner argument issue relies solely wording question trial asked murphy excluding asked moral religious conscientious moral religious principles opposition death penalty strong unable without violating principles vote recommend death penalty regardless facts app petitioner argues question correctly state relevant legal standard witt makes clear however inquiry end mechanical recitation single question answer therefore examine context surrounding murphy exclusion determine whether trial decision murphy beliefs substantially impair performance duties juror fairly supported record voir dire prior individual questioning point trial spoke entire venire including murphy saying going ask individually question listen carefully want know strong religious moral conscientious principles opposition death penalty unwilling vote return advisory sentence recommending death sentence even though facts presented law require recommendation understand question repeatedly stated correct standard questioning individual members venire murphy present heard ask proper witherspoon question many instances questioning murphy seated jury box first asked murphy occupation learned retired spent eight years retirement working administration office pios seminary previously noted asked moral religious conscientious moral religious principles opposition death penalty strong unable without violating principles vote recommend death penalty regardless facts murphy responded yes excused precise wording question asked murphy answer gave compel conclusion circumstance recommend death penalty witt recognized determinations juror bias reduced sessions obtain results manner catechism trial aided undoubtedly assessment potential juror demeanor obligation determine whether murphy views prevent substantially impair performance duties juror making determination trial take account fact murphy present throughout entire series questions made purpose meaning witt inquiry absolutely clear specific objection made excusal murphy defense counsel perceive previously need question viewing record voir dire entirety agree reasoning appeals trial decision exclude juror proper iv petitioner next contends prosecution closing argument stage trial rendered conviction fundamentally unfair deprived sentencing determination reliability eighth amendment requires helpful initial matter place remarks context closing argument came end several days trial state procedural rule petitioner counsel opportunity present initial summation well rebuttal prosecutors closing arguments prosecutors comments must evaluated light defense argument preceded blamed polk county sheriff office lack evidence alluded death penalty characterized perpetrator crimes animal contained counsel personal opinion strength state evidence prosecutors made closing argument argument deserves condemnation received every review although held argument rendered trial unfair several comments attempted place blame crime division corrections darden weekend furlough prison sentence crime occurred comments implied death penalty guarantee future similar act others incorporated defense use word animal prosecutor mcdaniel made several offensive comments reflecting emotional reaction case comments undoubtedly improper district original panel appeals whose opinion issue still stands recognized enough prosecutors remarks undesirable even universally condemned darden wainwright relevant question whether prosecutors comments infected trial unfairness make resulting conviction denial due process donnelly dechristoforo moreover appropriate standard review claim writ habeas corpus narrow one due process broad exercise supervisory power standard review agree reasoning every consider comments deprive petitioner fair trial prosecutors argument manipulate misstate evidence implicate specific rights accused right counsel right remain silent see darden wainwright much objectionable content invited responsive opening summation defense explained young idea invited response used excuse improper comments determine effect trial whole trial instructed jurors several times decision made basis evidence alone arguments counsel evidence weight evidence petitioner heavy overwhelming eyewitness circumstantial evidence support finding guilt charges reduced likelihood jury decision influenced argument finally defense counsel made tactical decision present witness petitioner decision permitted give summation prior prosecution closing argument also gave opportunity make final rebuttal argument defense counsel able use opportunity rebuttal effectively turning much prosecutors closing argument placing many prosecutors comments actions light likely engender strong disapproval result inflamed passions petitioner reasons agree district darden trial perfect neither fundamentally unfair petitioner contends denied effective assistance counsel sentencing phase trial claim must evaluated test announced strickland washington first petitioner must show counsel representation fell objective standard reasonableness second petitioner must show reasonable probability counsel unprofessional errors result proceeding different petitioner argues trial counsel delve sufficiently background result unprepared present mitigating evidence sentencing hearing initial matter petitioner contends trial counsel devoted time close guilt phase trial start penalty phase approximately hour preparing case mitigation argument without merit defense counsel engaged extensive preparation prior trial manner included preparation sentencing jack johnson head public defender office time stated habeas expended hundreds hours petitioner behalf trying represent tr habeas corpus proceedings office worked hard case mr goodwill experienced criminal trial lawyer testified spent time case spent capital case involved probably time case ever involved supp app included time investigating petitioner alibi driving petitioner around scene events establish point story counsel obtained psychiatric report petitioner eye toward using mitigation sentencing counsel also learned pretrial preparation turman opposed death penalty considered possibility putting stand sentencing phase record clearly indicates great deal time effort went defense case significant portion time devoted preparation sentencing petitioner also claims trial counsel interpreted stat statutory list mitigating factors exclusive list contends failure introduce evidence mitigation result interpretation statute thereby deprived effective assistance counsel express view reasonableness interpretation florida law case trial specifically informed petitioner counsel prior sentencing phase trial go factors might really pertinent full consideration case analysis family situation causes anything else might pertinent appropriate sentence tr point even counsel previously believed list exclusive knew free offer nonstatutory mitigating evidence chose recognized strickland judicial scrutiny counsel performance must highly deferential fair assessment attorney performance requires every effort made eliminate distorting effects hindsight reconstruct circumstances counsel challenged conduct evaluate conduct counsel perspective time particular must indulge strong presumption counsel conduct falls within wide range reasonable professional assistance defendant must overcome presumption circumstances challenged action might considered sound trial strategy quoting michel louisiana case several reasons counsel reasonably chosen rely simple plea mercy petitioner attempt portray petitioner nonviolent man opened door state rebut evidence petitioner prior convictions evidence previously admitted evidence trial counsel reasonably viewed particularly damaging head public defenders office testified habeas corpus hearing petitioner jails prisons adult life tr habeas corpus proceedings petitioner example previously convicted assault intent commit rape darden state app addition defense counsel attempted offer testimony petitioner incapable committing crimes issue state responded psychiatric report indicated petitioner well committed crime recall psychiatrist term sociopathic type personality act entirely impulse premeditation standpoint planning situation arose decision made simultaneously commit act supp app testimony mr goodwill reason consultation petitioner defense counsel rejected use psychiatric testimony tr similarly defense counsel attempted put evidence petitioner family man faced admission trial although still married spending weekend furlough girlfriend sum petitioner overcome presumption circumstances challenged action might considered sound trial strategy quoting michel louisiana supra petitioner failed satisfy first part strickland test trial counsels performance fell objective standard reasonableness agree district appeals petitioner deprived effective assistance counsel vi judgment appeals affirmed case remanded proceedings consistent opinion ordered footnotes prior voir dire defense counsel objected questioning prosecution regarding potential juror feelings death penalty judge denied motion stating ruling prospective juror voir dire examination moral religious conscientious principles belief unwilling recommend death penalty even though facts circumstances meet requirements law effect said unwilling follow law app although judge correctly stated general standard dismissal assured defense counsel free make objection particular witherspoon question otherwise objectionable gone far example asked macy hold conscientious moral religious principles opposition death penalty unwilling circumstances recommend death sentence tr varney responded affirmatively question asked event evidence law legal recommendation unwilling return recommendation conscientious beliefs ibid three new veniremen replaced others excused asked either three hold strong religious moral conscientious principles opposition imposition death penalty unwilling vote recommend death penalty regardless evidence similar point later explained replacements venire asked others ask four whether strong religious conscientious moral principles imposition death penalty unwilling vote return recommended sentence death penalty regardless evidence facts might one four expressed reservations followed questioning demonstrating practice assuring doubt potential juror true position see also voir dire examination prior murphy four potential jurors excused witherspoon grounds rule florida rules criminal procedure provided defendant offering testimony behalf except shall entitled concluding argument jury judge going tell consider evidence lack evidence lack evidence almost criminally negligent part polk county sheriff office case go tr took coincidence magnified capital case asking kill man coincidence first witness saw turman pathetic figure worked struggled life build little little furniture store woman robbed sexually assaulted husband slaughtered eyes vicious animal murderer ran aimed poor kid half brains blown away work animal doubt come ask citrus county people kill man instructed lesser included offenses question enough evidence kill man enough evidence honestly think far concerned another defendant courtroom one division corrections prisons expect stay prison go ca expect stay locked go know going public guns drinking app yes another defendant regret know charges place upon except public condemnation condemn ask advise give death way know going get public way know way sure way anybody sure people turned loose far concerned maloney said identified man person animal animal public one reason cell unless leash prison guard end leash wish turman shotgun hand walked back door blown darden face wish see sitting face blown away shotgun wish someone walked back door blown head point ibid fired boy back number five saving one get chance use wish used wish killed accident unlucky time forget done according witnesses make every attempt change appearance september hair goatee even moustache weight thing done know cut throat last series comments defense counsel objected first time justice blackmun dissenting opinion argues prosecutorial misconduct petitioner receive fair trial dissent willing tolerate imperfection level fairness reliability low make conscientious prosecutors cringe post agree argument deserved condemned supra conscientious prosecutors recognize however every criticized argument went hold fairness petitioner trial affected prosecutors argument direct appeal florida held careful review totality record darden state first federal habeas petition district considered prosecution closing argument length denied petition concluded thorough review record convinced relief warranted darden wainwright supp md darden trial perfect neither fundamentally unfair ibid original panel appeals affirmed district holding respect prosecutors argument stated considered prosecutors remarks evaluated light darden entire trial agree district conclusion prosecutors comments deny darden fundamentally fair trial appeals reheard case en banc second time expressly agreed panel decision prosecutorial misconduct issue appeals however reversed district witherspoon issue granted state petition certiorari issue vacated remanded case reconsideration light wainwright witt appeals denied relief protracted litigation one agreed petitioner claim respect improper prosecutorial argument mcdaniel made impassioned plea many times repeat wish shot wish blown face away god get impression like man stands pulls switch tr see also one darden counsel testified habeas corpus hearing made tactical decision object improper comments based long experience prosecutor mcdaniel knew mcdaniel get much vehement remarks allowed go immediately objecting hoped encourage prosecution commit reversible error supp app justice blackmun dissenting opinion mistakenly argues today finds essence error harmless criticizes applying standard post decide claim prosecutorial misconduct ground harmless error view case issue presented rather agree holding every addressed issue prosecutorial argument context facts circumstances case render petitioner trial unfair constitutional error petitioner also maintains comments violated requirement reliability sentencing process articulated caldwell mississippi principles caldwell applicable case caldwell involved comments prosecutor sentencing phase trial effect jury decision life death final automatically reviewed state jury made feel entire burden defendant life held comments presen intolerable danger jury fact choose minimize importance role view fundamentally incompatible eighth amendment requirement jury make individualized decision death appropriate punishment specific case several factual reasons distinguishing caldwell present case comments caldwell made sentencing phase trial approved trial judge case comments made stage trial greatly reducing chance effect sentencing trial judge approve comments several times instructed jurors arguments evidence decision based evidence petitioner reliance caldwell even fundamentally mistaken factual differences indicate caldwell relevant certain types comment mislead jury role sentencing process way allows jury feel less responsible sentencing decision case none comments effect misleading jury thinking reduced role sentencing process anything prosecutors comments tendency increase jury perception role therefore find petitioner eighth amendment argument unconvincing chief justice burger concurring concur fully opinion write separately address suggestion justice blackmun dissent rejects darden witherspoon claim impatience progress darden constitutional challenges conviction post support contention reference made dissent grant certiorari case dissent voted deny petition darden claims reviewed judges years since conviction simply incorrect set record straight quote dissent full years since petitioner convicted murder sentenced death issues raised petition certiorari considered four times see darden florida dismissing certiorari improvidently granted darden wainwright denying certiorari wainwright darden vacating remanding darden wainwright order dated september denying application stay passed upon fewer times federal state judges upon review petition history case conclude issues presented merit plenary review abuse discretion accept meritless petitions presenting claims rejected hours ago dissent dissent suggestion motivated impatience darden constitutional claims refuted record years judicial proceedings case manifest substantial care patience rejection darden claims fourth time sought review based thoughtful application law facts case point must finality justice brennan dissenting join brother blackmun dissent moreover adhering view death penalty circumstances cruel unusual punishment prohibited eighth fourteenth amendments gregg georgia brennan dissenting vacate death sentence imposed case justice blackmun justice brennan justice marshall justice stevens join dissenting although constitution guarantees criminal defendant fair trial perfect one lutwak bruton stressed repeatedly decade since gregg georgia eighth amendment requires heightened degree reliability case state seeks take defendant life today opinion however reveals willing tolerate imperfection level fairness reliability low make conscientious prosecutors cringe discussion darden claim prosecutorial misconduct noteworthy omissions despite fact earlier term relied heavily standards governing professional responsibility defense counsel ruling attorney actions deprive client constitutional right see nix whiteside today entirely ignores standards governing professional responsibility prosecutors reaching conclusion summations darden prosecutors deprive fair trial see ante prosecutors remarks case reflect behavior virtually sources speak one voice nix whiteside supra voice strong condemnation following brief comparison established standards prosecutorial conduct prosecutors behavior case merely illustrates hardly exhausts scope misconduct involved lawyer shall state personal opinion credibility witness guilt innocence accused model rules professional conduct rule see also code professional responsibility dr aba standards criminal justice ed yet one prosecutor white stated convinced convinced know standing today willie jasper darden murderer murdered turman robbed turman shot kill phillip arnold convinced rest life app prosecutor mcdaniel stated respect darden testimony well let tell something ever chair facing life death life imprisonment death guarantee lie teeth fall prosecutor refrain argument divert jury duty decide case evidence injecting issues broader guilt innocence accused controlling law making predictions consequences jury verdict aba standards criminal justice ed cf model rules professional conduct rule code professional responsibility dr aba standards criminal justice ed yet mcdaniel argument filled references darden status prisoner furlough cell unless leash app see also sought put trial absent defendant state department corrections furloughed darden see also implied defense counsel use improper tricks deflect jury real issue see darden status furloughed prisoner release policies department corrections counsel anticipated tactics obviously legal relevance question jury asked decide whether committed robbery murder turmans furniture store indeed state argued mcdaniel remarks harmless precisely failed discuss issues weight evidence credibility witnesses brief respondent prosecutor use arguments calculated inflame passions prejudices jury aba standards criminal justice ed see berger yet mcdaniel repeatedly expressed wish see darden sitting face blown away shotgun app see also indeed think mcdaniel summation taken whole accurately described anything relentless attempt inflame jury see ante relies standard established donnelly dechristoforo deciding prosecutor comments state trial render trial fundamentally unfair omits however discussion facts different case led conclude dechristoforo defendant deprived fair trial dechristoforo concerned two remarks made prosecutor course rather lengthy closing argument jury one remark one moment extended trial even objectionable remark ambiguous provided basis inferring either prosecutor intend ed damaging meaning jury sitting lengthy exhortation draw meaning plethora less damaging interpretations finally trial judge dechristoforo expressly instructed jury disregard improper statements holding thus rested conclusion prosecutor comments neither extensive improper violate constitution far involving ambiguous statements might might affect jury remarks issue focused unambiguous strong caldwell mississippi impossible read transcript mcdaniel summation without seeing calculated sustained attempt inflame jury almost every page contains least one offensive improper statement pages contain little else misconduct slight confined single instance pronounced persistent probable cumulative effect upon jury disregarded inconsequential berger presents entirely unpersuasive laundry list reasons ignoring blatant misconduct first says summations manipulate misstate evidence implicate specific rights accused right counsel right remain silent ante respect observation quite beside point solemn purpose endeavoring ascertain truth sine qua non fair trial estes texas summations cut heart due process clause diverting jury attention ultimate question guilt innocence central concern criminal proceeding stone powell second says uch objectionable content invited responsive opening summation defense ante citing young identifies four portions defense summation thinks somehow invited mcdaniel sustained barrage state however object statements mind none objectionable justified tactical decision interrupt defense summation perhaps irritate jury cf begins stating defense counsel blamed sheriff office lack evidence ante identify mcdaniel remarks represented response statement believe suggesting example defense counsel one mention almost crimina negligen ce part polk county sheriff office tr justified mcdaniel express repeated wish try department corrections murder see app next notes defense counsel alluded death penalty ante allusion might justified mcdaniel statement merely determine innocence guilt nothing else app hardly justify example mcdaniel expressions personal wish darden blown away shotgun see also moreover says defense counsel twice referred perpetrator animal ante see tr entirely unclear characterization called response prosecutor taken context defense counsel statements nothing tell jury although everyone agreed heinous crime committed issue focus whether darden committed finally finds darden brought upon mcdaniel tirade defense counsel gave personal opinion strength state evidence ante gives explanation statement quotes single mild expression defense counsel overall assessment evidence justified response followed consisted extent represented comment evidence accusations perjury see app personal disparagements opposing counsel see sum mcdaniel went far beyond respond ing substantially order right scale young reasoning young provides basis holding today third reason gives discounting effects improper summations supposed curative effect trial judge instructions judge instructed jury decide case evidence arguments counsel evidence ante trial overruled darden objection mcdaniel repeated expressions wish darden killed app thus perhaps leaving jury impression mcdaniel comments somehow relevant question trial judge instruction attorneys trained law thus analysis issues extremely helpful tr might also suggested jury substance mcdaniel tirade pertinent deliberations fourth suggests darden enjoyed tactical advantage last summation able tur much prosecutors closing argument ante issue jury whether darden guilty whether mcdaniel summation proper question whether agree defense counsel criticism summation whether jury affected since darden ultimately convicted hard see basis naked assertion efense counsel able use opportunity rebuttal effectively ibid cf young defendant acquittal serious charge reinforces conclusion prosecutor remarks undermine jury ability view evidence independently fairly fifth finds essence error harmless weight evidence petitioner heavy overwhelming eyewitness circumstantial evidence support finding guilt charges reduced likelihood jury decision influenced argument ante rejects effect test set caldwell mississippi see ante identify standard use decide harmlessness error every standard employed however shares two salient features first serious error identified burden shifts beneficiary error show conviction tainted second although different formulations standard differ level confidence outcome required overcome burden question reviewing never whether evidence sufficient justify conviction absent error rather whether error undermines confidence outcome proceeding unacceptable degree see young chapman california kotteakos regardless test used simply believe evidence case overwhelming conclude basis written record jury verdict product prosecutors misconduct three damaging pieces evidence identifications darden phillip arnold helen turman ballistics evidence sufficiently problematic leave unconvinced jury exposed mcdaniel egregious summation necessarily convicted darden arnold first identified darden photo array shown hospital trial suppressed identification following long argument concerning reliability constitutionality procedures obtained see tr turman initial identification made even suggestive circumstances testified trial taken preliminary hearing darden appeared order identify instead asked view darden lineup turman brought courtroom darden apparently black man present see defense counsel objection prosecutor asked whether man sitting man shot husband identified darden cf moore illinois use showups long condemned precisely result unreliable identifications see stovall denno similarly condemned use photo arrays suspect photograph way emphasized simmons question whether various identifications suppressed confidence reliability nonetheless undermined suggestiveness procedures obtained particularly light turman earlier difficulties describing criminal finally ballistics evidence hardly overwhelming purported murder weapon tied conclusively neither crime darden special agent cunningham federal bureau investigation firearms identification unit testified bullets recovered scene crime fired gun unwilling say fact come weapon tr also testified contrary assertion rebored smith wessons fairly common see deputy sheriff weatherford testified gun discovered roadside ditch adjacent darden wrecked car evening crime gun discovered next day ditch also next bar parking lot darden testified trial behalf denied involvement robbery murder see account actions day crime contradicted turman arnold identifications indeed number state witnesses corroborated parts darden account trial judge seen heard darden testify found emotionally appeared face sincerity proclaimed innocence app setting sentence viewed fact darden repeatedly professed complete innocence charges mitigating factor thus bottom case rests jury determination credibility three witnesses helen turman phillip arnold one side willie darden conclude mcdaniel sustained assault darden humanity affect jury ability judge credibility question real evidence believe trial fair reverse darden conviction allow go death convicted fair trial ii even darden convicted fairly however believe death sentence vacated improper exclusion cause member venire qualified serve decisions witherspoon illinois wainwright witt davis georgia held improper exclusion one juror renders death sentence constitutionally infirm per se darden case potential prejudice palpable even though stripped members expressing reservations death penalty jury agree unanimously death sentence appropriate see tr dissenting opinion witherspoon concerned illinois statute excused cause juror shall examined state conscientious scruples capital punishment opposed quoting rev ch held constitution barred execution defendant sentenced death jury persons excluded cause holding rested large part recognition even jurors oppose death penalty set aside personal beliefs follow instructions consider whether death appropriate penalty see recently last term held trial courts must distinguish prospective jurors whose opposition capital punishment allow apply law view facts impartially jurors though opposed capital punishment nevertheless conscientiously apply law facts adduced trial witt see also adams texas boulden holman discussion darden claim rests premise claim depends entirely wording single question asked trial judge prior exclusion venire member murphy see ante premise mistaken trial error lay misunderstanding proper standard exclusion witherspoon misunderstanding influenced question asked murphy evaluation answer record say assurance murphy properly excluded prior voir dire individual venire members trial judge announced intention excuse potential juror whose religious moral principles made unable impose death penalty also potential juror follow instructions going principles emphasis deleted app standard essentially indistinguishable standard employed illinois expressly disapproved witherspoon juror reservations wisdom morality death penalty nonetheless follows instructions prevent ed substantially impair ed performance duties juror accordance instructions oath witt quoting adams permit individuals reservations exercising truly awesome responsibility decreeing death fellow human mcgautha california serve capital juries surely mark return empaneling juries uncommonly willing condemn man die witherspoon case thus entirely unlike witt witt statement determinations juror bias reduced catechism reliance peculiar ability trial judges observe demeanor credibility potential jurors make sense every indication judge applied correct standard record us today provides indication impossible determine whether judge finding bias reflected belief murphy unable follow instructions belief murphy set aside personal beliefs fact murphy never gave indication follow instructions burden proving murphy bias rested state present heavy reliance context surrounding murphy exclusion ante simply support conclusion trial improper interpretation witherspoon infected context statement trial take account fact murphy present throughout entire series questions made purpose meaning witt inquiry absolutely clear ante suffers similar defect find implausible assumption murphy followed closely daylong questioning jurors assumption correct also assume murphy anticipated asked whether beliefs prevent substantially impair performance duties juror jurors expressing similar sentiments asked three jurors somewhat extensive questioning explicitly stated think vote death penalty see tr juror varney juror carn juror maher says nothing whether murphy shared inability put aside personal beliefs obey oath juror witt may right many veniremen simply asked enough questions reach point bias made unmistakably clear however judge even ask one question might given real insight murphy ability serve wrong answer question begets cf bickel least dangerous branch close reading lengthy voir dire transcript leads conclude trial behavior easily explained murphy appearance jury box end long day questioning desire finish jury selection expeditiously definite impression part trial judge murphy unqualified neither trial eagerness get trial started impatience progress darden constitutional challenges conviction death sentence see burger dissenting grant certiorari years elapsed since darden conviction sentence fewer judges reviewed case renders murphy exclusion justifiable harmless iii twice past year young today faced clearly improper prosecutorial misconduct summations time condemned behavior affirmed conviction forty years ago judge jerome frank dissent discussed second circuit similar approach language well remember today several times used vigorous language denouncing government counsel conduct prosecutor time said nevertheless reverse attitude helpless piety think undesirable means actual condonation counsel alleged offense coupled verbal disapprobation continue nothing practical prevent conduct cease disapprove otherwise declared effect government attorneys without fear reversal may say please addressing juries rules subject prosecutors win verdicts result disapproved remarks deprive victories merely go form expressing displeasure deprecatory words use opinions occasions purely ceremonial government counsel employing tactics kind eager win victories gladly pay small price ritualistic verbal spanking practice recalling bitter tear shed walrus ate oysters breeds deplorably cynical attitude towards judiciary omitted antonelli fireworks cert denied see caldwell mississippi california ramos beck alabama lockett ohio plurality opinion gardner florida plurality opinion woodson north carolina plurality opinion every judge addressed prosecutors behavior condemned see darden state prosecutor remarks ordinary circumstances constitute violation code professional responsibility dissenting opinion darden wainwright supp md anyone attempting illustration violation code professional responsibility possibly improve upon prosecutor white final statement darden wainwright dissenting opinion even state attorney concedes prosecutor mcdaniel summation unnecessary tirade supp app one ever even weakly suggested mcdaniel closing remarks anything improper supplemental answer darden wainwright case md june much summation consisted inflammatory irrelevances answer pet habeas corpus darden wainwright case md may true florida federal district appeals ultimately concluded darden deprived fair trial grounds rested conclusion troubling indeed florida careful review totality record describe ante consists three paragraphs first discusses evidence petitioner career criminal stayed woman wife furlough used car visit various bars pool hall contrary conditions furlough second paragraph notes among things petitioner admitted speeding rainstorm creating great danger motorists night murder last describes heinousness events occurred turmans store says absolutely nothing evidence tying petitioner events earlier noted turman phillip arnold identified petitioner perpetrator crux florida analysis however possible use language fair comment crimes without shocking feelings normal person language used prosecutor possibly reversible error used regarding less heinous set crimes law permits fair comment comment fair since prosecutors reasonably describ ed happened done guilty party comments erroneous standard apparently applied florida wholly unacceptable defendant right fair trial depend nature crime accused done guilty party relevant determination guilt district conclusion suffers similar error addition advancing many arguments adopted today none persuasive see infra district found prejudice offensive statements keyed arouse prejudice accused basis horror crimes guilt phase bifurcated trial horror crimes irrelevant sole issue whether darden committed appeals merely quoted approved analysis district see catalog number judges found petitioner trial fair fails include magistrate petitioner federal habeas proceedings actually conducted recommended district grant petitioner habeas relief basis claim prosecutorial misconduct magistrate paul game correctly recognized case essentially turned relative credibility three witnesses turman phillip arnold willie darden prosecutors concerted attack darden humanity well affected jury assessment credibility see app also recognized remarks occurred context emotionally charged trial darden black man accused robbery brutal murder white man repeated shooting defenseless white teenager vile sexual advances white woman notably today ignores context trial took place including fact petitioner motion change venue granted contents instead hypothesizing reasons prosecutors shameful conduct deprive hanging verdict finds caldwell inapposite offending comment caldwell occurred sentencing stage defendant trial misled jury role sentencing process ante caldwell eighth amendment underpinnings clearly extend guilt determinations capital cases well sentencing beck alabama circumstances case sentencing hearing followed immediately upon jury return guilty verdict state summation consisted less full page transcript see tr think state must assumed attacks department corrections repeatedly expressed wish darden die affect jury sentencing decision well determination guilt indeed district found summations guilt phase effect state principal argument support death penalty moreover see misleading jury relevant issues capital trial somehow less pernicious misleading jury role six photographs array arnold immediately rejected four hey fit description earlier given police tr darden photograph one two identified subject name name darden photograph notation sheriff department bartow florida date arnold aware time identification september suspect recently arrested turman identification took place following colloquy prosecutor mars defense attorney hill ask identify mars yes sir see man sitting hill honor going object type identification sit hill judge circumstances hill hill judge even defense attorney shows respect much less appreciate hill objection want record appreciate record woman traumatic experience hill judge appreciate still obligation client appreciate want held contempt pardon alright go ahead man shot husband yes sir see pet habeas corpus darden wainwright case md may pp tr challenges admissibility various identifications presented darden petition direct review conviction sentence see brief petitioner darden florida pp second third questions presented raising issues concerning witnesses identifications although petition certiorari granted later limited grant issue prosecutor closing argument ultimately dismissed writ improvidently granted denying darden pretrial motion limit voir dire concerning jurors attitudes towards death penalty trial stated ruling prospective juror voir dire examination moral religious conscientious principles belief unwilling recommend death penalty even though facts circumstances meet requirements law effect said unwilling follow law shall charge upon disregard unwilling follow follow going principles therefore rule disqualification exists intend disqualify cause app emphasis deleted statement judge correctly stated general standard dismissal ante comes immediately heels truncated quotation trial judge ruling omits critical phrase follow going principles therefore rule disqualification gave petitioner continuing objection proposed voir dire questioning app even continuing objection enough standing alone preserve petitioner claim hold statement specific objection made excusal murphy defense counsel ante flatly contradicted trial transcript immediately following murphy excusal directed stenographer note defendant object excused cause tr even refer witt inquiry reflects inattention chronology case tried dozen years witt sought dispel general confusion surrounding application witherspoon courts across country labored years purpose meaning witt clear layman like murphy unclear judge trying case federal state appellate courts nowhere explained moreover murphy perspective purpose inquiry obtain truthful answers regarding background beliefs oath juror required reveal strong feelings death penalty even believed follow judge instructions notwithstanding feelings public dissent grant certiorari extremely rare indeed know recent case justice dissented ground claims raised petitioner least four justices must found worthy full consideration meritless see also ohio ex rel eaton price memorandum brennan finding one instance dissent extraordinary case youngstown sheet tube sawyer certiorari granted prior appeals judgment concurrence filed chief justice today see ante justify dissent grant certiorari case shows justice brennan persuasively explained price public dissent grant certiorari poses dangers actual workings adjudicatory process public respect process reprinting dissent entirety emphasizing number times asked review darden claims chief justice suggests irrevocably committed rejecting claims received benefit full briefing oral argument access record discussion issues members followed grant certiorari fact granted certiorari three times hardly reason concluding darden claims meritless undoubted interest finality outweigh duty ensure darden receives due process