barefoot estelle argued april decided july petitioner convicted capital murder texas state jury trial separate sentencing hearing held jury determine whether death penalty imposed one questions submitted jury required texas statute whether probability petitioner commit criminal acts violence constitute continuing threat society addition introducing evidence state called two psychiatrists response hypothetical questions testified probability jury answered question well another question whether killing deliberate affirmative thus requiring imposition death penalty appeal texas criminal appeals rejected petitioner contention use psychiatric testimony sentencing hearing unconstitutional affirmed conviction sentence ultimately denied certiorari texas criminal appeals denied habeas corpus application petitioner filed petition habeas corpus federal district raising claims respect use psychiatric testimony district rejected claims denied writ issued certificate probable cause pursuant provides appeal may taken appeals final order habeas corpus proceeding detention complained arises process issued state unless justice judge rendered order circuit justice judge issues certificate probable cause texas criminal appeals denied habeas corpus application well denying stay execution shortly thereafter appeals also denied stay execution pending appeal district judgment treating application stay execution petition writ certiorari judgment granted certiorari held appeals err refusing stay petitioner death sentence pp although formally affirm district judgment question appeals ruled merits appeal course denying stay petitioner ample opportunity address merits practice within bounds prior decisions garrison patterson parties directed filed briefs presented oral arguments thus making clear whether stay granted depended probability success merits advisable appeals affirm expressly district judgment well deny stay failure conflict garrison related cases although appeals moved swiftly deny stay mean treatment merits cursory inadequate contrary resolution primary issue appeal admission psychiatric testimony dangerousness reflects careful consideration remand appeals verification district judgment affirmed petitioner urges unwarranted exaltation form substance pp following procedural guidelines handling applications stays execution habeas corpus appeals pursuant certificate probable cause suggested certificate probable cause requires showing absence frivolity appeal petitioner must make substantial showing denial federal right severity penalty sufficing warrant automatic issuance certificate certificate probable cause issued petitioner must afforded opportunity address merits appeals must decide merits appeals may adopt expedited procedures resolving merits habeas corpus appeals notwithstanding issuance certificate probable cause local rules promulgated stating manner cases handled informing counsel merits appeal may decided motion stay second successive federal habeas corpus petitions proper district expedite consideration petition even concluded petition dismissed rule fails allege new different grounds relief stays execution automatic pending filing consideration petition certiorari appeals denied writ habeas corpus applications stays must contain information materials necessary make careful assessment merits reliably determine whether plenary review stay warranted stay execution first sought appeals pp district err merits denying petitioner habeas corpus petition pp merit petitioner argument psychiatrists individually group incompetent predict acceptable degree reliability particular criminal commit crimes future represent danger community accept argument call question predictions future behavior constantly made contexts moreover generally applicable rules evidence covering admission weight unprivileged evidence psychiatric testimony predicting dangerousness may countered erroneous particular case also generally unreliable ignored despite view american psychiatric association supporting petitioner view convincing evidence testimony almost entirely unreliable factfinder adversary system competent uncover recognize take due account shortcomings pp psychiatric testimony need based personal examination defendant may properly given response hypothetical questions expert testimony whether form opinion based hypothetical questions otherwise commonly admitted evidence might help factfinder job although case involves death penalty constitutional barrier applying ordinary rules evidence governing use expert testimony pp texas courts district appeals properly rejected petitioner argument even use hypothetical questions predicting dangerousness acceptable general rule use made case violated right due process law pp white delivered opinion burger powell rehnquist joined stevens filed opinion concurring judgment post marshall filed dissenting opinion brennan joined post blackmun filed dissenting opinion parts ii iii iv brennan marshall joined post gray argued cause petitioner briefs carolyn garcia jack greenberg argued cause naacp legal defense educational fund amicus curiae urging reversal brief james nabrit iii joel berger john charles boger deborah fins james liebman anthony amsterdam douglas becker assistant attorney general texas argued cause respondent brief jim mattox attorney general david richards executive assistant attorney general joel klein filed brief american psychiatric association amicus curiae urging reversal daniel popeo paul kamenar nicholas calio filed brief washington legal foundation amicus curiae urging affirmance briefs amici curiae filed morris harrell marna tucker barrett prettyman american bar association gerald goldstein maury maverick burt neuborne texas civil liberties union et al jim smith attorney general florida charles corces assistant attorney general state florida et al justice white delivered opinion two questions us case whether district erred merits rejecting petition habeas corpus filed petitioner whether appeals fifth circuit correctly denied stay execution death penalty pending appeal district judgment november petitioner convicted capital murder police officer bell county tex separate sentencing hearing jury held determine whether death penalty imposed tex code crim proc art vernon two special questions submitted jury whether conduct causing death committed deliberately reasonable expectation death deceased another result whether probability defendant commit criminal acts violence constitute continuing threat society state introduced evidence petitioner prior convictions reputation lawlessness state also called two psychiatrists john holbrook james grigson response hypothetical questions testified petitioner probably commit acts violence represent continuing threat society jury answered questions put affirmative result required imposition death penalty appeal texas criminal appeals petitioner urged among submissions use psychiatrists punishment hearing make predictions petitioner future conduct unconstitutional psychiatrists individually class competent predict future dangerousness hence predictions likely produce erroneous sentences use violated eighth fourteenth amendments also urged event permitting answers hypothetical questions psychiatrists personally examined petitioner constitutional error rejected contentions affirmed conviction sentence march barefoot state rehearing denied april petitioner execution scheduled september july granted stay execution pending filing disposition petition certiorari filed denied june barefoot texas petitioner execution scheduled state courts time october application habeas corpus texas criminal appeals denied october whereafter petition habeas corpus filed district western district texas among issues petitioner raised claims respect use psychiatric testimony presented state courts district stayed petitioner execution pending action petition evidentiary hearing held july petitioner represented competent counsel november district filed findings conclusions rejecting several grounds asserted petitioner writ accordingly denied also stay petitioner death sentence vacated district however granted petitioner motion proceed forma pauperis issued certificate probable cause pursuant provides appeal may taken appeals final order habeas corpus proceeding detention complained arises process issued state unless justice judge rendered order circuit justice judge issues certificate probable cause notice appeal filed november point texas courts set january new execution date petition habeas corpus motion stay execution denied texas criminal appeals december another motion stay execution denied january january petitioner moved appeals fifth circuit stay execution pending consideration appeal denial petition habeas corpus january parties notified present briefs oral argument january case heard january january appeals issued opinion judgment denying stay opinion recited studied briefs record filed heard oral argument petitioner attorney allowed unlimited time discuss matter germane case appeals view giving parties unlimited opportunity brief argue merits saw fit requirements set forth cases garrison patterson nowakowski maroney carafas lavallee satisfied understood cases certificate probable cause issued district appeals must give parties opportunity address merits view parties given unlimited opportunity make contentions upon underlying merits briefs oral argument appeals proceeded address merits psychiatric testimony issue together new claims presented district state jurisdiction resentence petitioner newly discovered evidence warranted new trial grounds discussed rejected concluded since petition substantial merit stay denied petitioner filed application stay execution circuit justice fifth circuit referred matter january stayed petitioner execution treating application stay petition writ certiorari judgment granted certiorari parties directed brief argue question presented application namely appropriate standard granting denying stay execution pending disposition appeal federal appeals federal habeas corpus petitioner also issues appeal appeals fifth circuit ibid case briefed orally argued affirm judgment district ii respect procedures followed appeals refusing stay petitioner death sentence must remembered direct appeal primary avenue review conviction sentence death penalty cases exception process direct review federal question involved includes right petition writ certiorari comes end presumption finality legality attaches conviction sentence role federal habeas proceedings important assuring constitutional rights observed secondary limited federal courts forums relitigate state trials even less federal habeas means defendant entitled delay execution indefinitely procedures adopted facilitate orderly consideration disposition habeas petitions legal entitlements defendant right pursue irrespective contribution procedures make toward uncovering constitutional error natural counsel condemned capital case lay hold every ground judgment might tend advantage client administration justice interfered mere pretexts lambert barrett furthermore unlike term years death sentence begin carried state substantial legal issues remain outstanding accordingly federal courts must isolate exceptional cases constitutional error requires retrial resentencing certainly swiftly orderly procedures permit need however fail give nonfrivolous claims constitutional error careful attention deserve reasons granted certiorari judgment determine whether appeals erred refusing stay petitioner death sentence petitioner urges appeals improperly denied stay execution failing act finally appeal suggests possibility remanding case appeals without reaching merits district judgment heart petitioner submission appeals unless believes case entirely frivolous obligated decide appeal merits usual course must death case stay execution pending disposition state responds appeals reached decided merits issues presented course denying stay petitioner ample opportunity address merits previously held appellant persuades appropriate tribunal probable cause appeal exists must afforded opportunity address underlying merits garrison patterson supra per curiam see nowakowski maroney supra carafas lavallee supra decisions indicate appeals unable resolve merits appeal scheduled date execution petitioner entitled stay execution permit due consideration merits also held requirement decision merits prevent courts appeals adopting appropriate summary procedures final disposition cases garrison patterson see carafas lavallee garrison examining prior holdings concluded othing cases prevents courts appeals considering questions probable cause merits together nothing said necessarily requires full briefing every instance certificate granted hold appeal possesses sufficient merit warrant certificate appellant must afforded adequate opportunity address merits summary procedure adopted appellant must informed rule otherwise opportunity limited surface clear whether fifth circuit recent practice requiring showing prospect success merits issuing stay execution estelle brooks estelle comports requirements approving execution defendant appeal decided merits clearly improper garrison nowakowski carafas however practice deciding merits appeal possible together application stay inconsistent cases appears clear appeals case pursued latter course appeals fully aware precedents ruled requirements fully satisfied quoting garrison appeals said actions fall language petitioner motion directed solely merits parties also afforded unlimited opportunity make contentions upon underlying merits oral argument opinion demonstrates reasons decision course pursued appeals case within bounds prior decisions connection acting stay parties directed file briefs present oral argument light fifth circuit announced practice estelle supra brooks estelle supra clear whether stay granted depended probability success merits parties addressed merits given unlimited time present argument agree petitioner attorneys prejudiced preparation appeal primary issue presented briefed argued throughout proceedings state courts rebriefed reargued district habeas corpus proceeding time district ruled petition november petitioner days prepare briefs arguments presented fifth circuit january although appeals formally affirm judgment district question appeals ruled merits appeal concluding statements demonstrate benefit full trial record except exhibits unimportant considerations read arguments materials filed parties petitioner represented throughout habeas corpus proceedings state federal courts competent attorney experienced area law heard full arguments open finding patent substantial merit semblance thereof petitioner constitutional objections must conclude order motion stay denied although appeals moved swiftly decide stay mean treatment merits cursory inadequate contrary resolution primary issue appeal admission psychiatric testimony dangerousness reflects careful consideration reasons remand appeals verification judgment district affirmed unwarranted exaltation form substance appeals handling case tolerable precedents suggest course accepted norm preferred procedure matter public record increasing number petitioners entering appellate stages federal habeas process fair efficient consideration appeals requires proper procedures handling applications stays executions demands procedures allow decision merits appeal accompanying denial stay development procedures primarily function courts appeals rulemaking processes federal courts following general guidelines set forth first congress established requirement prisoner obtain certificate probable cause appeal order prevent frivolous appeals delaying ability impose sentences including death sentences primary means separating meritorious frivolous appeals decision grant withhold certificate probable cause generally agreed probable cause requires something absence frivolity standard higher one good faith requirement blackmun allowance forma pauperis appeals habeas corpus cases agree weight opinion courts appeals certificate probable cause requires petitioner make substantial showing denial federal right stewart beto cert denied see also ramsey hand goode wainwright capital case nature penalty proper consideration determining whether issue certificate probable cause severity penalty suffice warrant automatic issuing certificate second certificate probable cause issued district case later appeals petitioner must afforded opportunity address merits appeals obligated decide merits appeal accordingly appeals necessary prevent case becoming moot petitioner execution grant stay execution pending disposition appeal condemned prisoner obtains certificate probable cause initial habeas appeal third earlier cases indicated appeals may adopt expedited procedures resolving merits habeas appeals notwithstanding issuance certificate probable cause circuit chooses follow course advisable promulgate local rule stating manner cases handled informing counsel merits appeal may decided upon motion stay even without special procedures entirely appropriate appeal frivolous entirely without merit dismissed hearing motion stay see local rule appeals fifth circuit caution issuance certificate probable cause generally indicate appeal legally frivolous appeals confident petitioner claim squarely foreclosed statute rule authoritative decision lacking factual basis record case dismissing frivolous appeal frivolous appeals may still choose expedite briefing hearing merits selected cases stay death sentence requested provided counsel adequate opportunity address merits knows expected appropriate notice provided argument merits may heard time motion stay considered may thereafter render single opinion deciding merits motion unless exigencies time preclude considered decision merits case motion stay must granted choosing procedures used courts consider whether delay avoided summary procedures warrants departing normal untruncated processes appellate review instances expedition briefing argument schedule ordered appeals may nevertheless choose advance capital cases docket decision appeals delayed weight business fourth second successive federal habeas corpus petitions present different issue extent involve danger condemned inmate might attempt use repeated petitions appeals mere delaying tactic state quite legitimate interest preventing abuses writ brief naacp legal defense educational fund amicus curiae title rule second successive petition may dismissed judge finds fails allege new different grounds relief failure petitioner assert grounds prior petition constituted abuse writ see sanders advisory committee note rule even concluded petition dismissed rule proper district expedite consideration petition granting stay reflect presence substantial grounds upon relief might granted fifth stays execution automatic pending filing consideration petition writ certiorari appeals denied writ habeas corpus well established must reasonable probability four members consider underlying issue sufficiently meritorious grant certiorari notation probable jurisdiction must significant possibility reversal lower decision must likelihood irreparable harm result decision stayed white florida powell chambers quoting publishing schulingkamp powell chambers applications stays death sentences expected contain information materials necessary make careful assessment merits issue reliably determine whether plenary review stay warranted stay execution first sought appeals generally places considerable weight decision reached courts appeals circumstances iii petitioner merits submission death sentence must set aside constitution barred testimony two psychiatrists testified punishment hearing several aspects claim first urged psychiatrists individually group incompetent predict acceptable degree reliability particular criminal commit crimes future represent danger community second said event psychiatrists permitted testify future dangerousness response hypothetical questions without examined defendant personally third argued particular circumstances case testimony psychiatrists unreliable sentence set aside indicated reject arguments suggestion psychiatrist testimony may presented respect defendant future dangerousness somewhat like asking us disinvent wheel first place contrary cases likelihood defendant committing crimes constitutionally acceptable criterion imposing death penalty jurek texas impossible even lay person sensibly arrive conclusion makes little sense submit psychiatrists entire universe persons might opinion issue know little subject permitted testify jurek seven justices rejected claim impossible predict future behavior dangerousness therefore invalid consideration imposing death penalty justices stewart powell stevens responded directly argument course easy predict future behavior fact determination difficult however mean made indeed prediction future criminal conduct essential element many decisions rendered throughout criminal justice system decision whether admit defendant bail instance must often turn judge prediction defendant future conduct sentencing authority must predict convicted person probable future conduct engages process determining punishment impose sentenced prison predictions must made parole authorities task texas jury must perform answering statutory question issue thus basically different task performed countless times day throughout american system criminal justice essential jury possible relevant information individual defendant whose fate must determine texas law clearly assures evidence adduced acceptance petitioner position expert testimony future dangerousness far unreliable admissible immediately call question contexts predictions future behavior constantly made example donaldson held nondangerous mental hospital patient held confinement later speaking requirements civil commitments said may factual issues commitment proceeding factual aspects represent beginning inquiry whether individual mentally ill dangerous either others need confined therapy turns meaning facts must interpreted expert psychiatrists psychologists addington texas third petitioner view mirrors position expressed amicus brief american psychiatric association apa indicated however view presented rejected estelle smith convinced view apa converted constitutional rule barring entire category expert testimony persuaded testimony almost entirely unreliable factfinder adversary system competent uncover recognize take due account shortcomings amicus suggest views held members association profession generally indeed case others indicate doctors quite willing testify sentencing hearing think say know talking expressly disagree association point view furthermore qualifications experts regularly accepted courts obviously wrong discredited insuperable problem calling members association view confidently assert opinion amicus brief neither petitioner association suggests psychiatrists always wrong respect future dangerousness time yet submission category testimony excised entirely trials unconvinced however least adversary process trusted sort reliable unreliable evidence opinion future dangerousness particularly convicted felon opportunity present side case unaware cited case federal state adopted categorical views association certainly presented rejected every stage present proceeding listening two schools thought testify generally also petitioner criminal record district found majority psychiatric experts agree pattern repetitive assaultive violent conduct accuracy psychiatric predictions future dangerousness dramatically rises accuracy conclusion reaffirmed expert medical testimony case evidentiary hearing appear petitioner complaint diagnosis prediction made drs holbrook grigson punishment phase trial grigson expressed extreme certainty diagnosis prediction event differences among experts quantitative qualitative differences opinion go weight evidence admissibility testimony disputes within province jury resolve indeed fundamental premise entire system criminal jurisprudence purpose jury sort true testimony false important matters unimportant matters called upon give greater credence one party expert witnesses another matters occur routinely american judicial system civil criminal app omitted whatever decision may use psychiatric testimony general issue future dangerousness petitioner urges testimony must based personal examination defendant may given response hypothetical questions disagree expert testimony whether form opinion based hypothetical questions otherwise commonly admitted evidence might help factfinder assigned job said long ago spring edgar men made questions skill science object particular study says phillips competent give opinions evidence opinions general deduced facts disputed facts given evidence author proceeds say need founded upon personal knowledge facts may founded upon statement facts proved case medical men example may give opinions state patient may visited cause death person whose body examined nature instruments caused wounds examined also cases seen patient heard symptoms particulars state detailed witnesses trial judicial tribunals many instances held medical works admissible everywhere hold men skilled science art particular trades may give opinions witnesses matters pertaining professional calling today federal system federal rules evidence provide testimony experts advisory committee notes touch particular objections hypothetical questions none caveats lends support petitioner constitutional arguments furthermore texas criminal appeals find fault mode examining two psychiatrists texas law trial err permitting doctors testify basis hypothetical question use hypothetical questions examination expert witnesses practice mccormick ray texas evidence ed experts examined appellant went weight testimony admissibility understand petitioner contends even use hypothetical questions predicting future dangerousness acceptable general rule use made case violated right due process law example petitioner insists doctors permitted give opinion ultimate issue jury particularly hypothetical questions phrased terms petitioner conduct hypothetical questions referred controverted facts answers questions positive assertions fact opinion claims misuse hypothetical questions well others rejected texas courts neither district appeals found constitutional infirmity application texas rules evidence particular case agree iv sum affirm judgment district doubt psychiatric testimony increased likelihood petitioner sentenced death fact make evidence inadmissible respect relevant evidence defendant criminal case bottom agree petitioner basic position seriously undermine effect overrule jurek texas petitioner conceded much oral argument tr oral arg inclined however overturn decision case judgment district affirmed footnotes upon finding defendant guilty capital offense shall conduct separate sentencing proceeding determine whether defendant shall sentenced death life imprisonment proceeding shall conducted trial trial jury soon practicable proceeding evidence may presented matter deems relevant sentence subsection shall construed authorize introduction evidence secured violation constitution state texas state defendant counsel shall permitted present argument sentence death conclusion presentation evidence shall submit following issues jury whether conduct defendant caused death deceased committed deliberately reasonable expectation death deceased another result whether probability defendant commit criminal acts violence constitute continuing threat society raised evidence whether conduct defendant killing deceased unreasonable response provocation deceased state must prove issue submitted beyond reasonable doubt jury shall return special verdict yes issue submitted case treated application stay petition certiorari alternative petition certiorari judgment denied petition either assumption habeas corpus act act ch stat first act empowering federal courts issue writ habeas corpus persons state custody imposed automatic stay proceeding person pending proceedings appeal involved determination prisoner petition see rev stat provision required stay execution pending disposition appeal capital cases rogers peck lambert barrett concerned increasing number frivolous habeas corpus petitions challenging capital sentences delayed execution pending completion appellate process congress inserted requirement prisoner first obtain certificate probable cause appeal entitled act mar ch stat see cong rec following quotation cogently sums standard requiring question substance substantial showing denial federal right obviously petitioner need show prevail merits already failed endeavor rather must demonstrate issues debatable among jurists reason resolve issues different manner questions adequate deserve encouragement proceed gordon willis supp nd citing ex rel jones richmond cert denied case evidence offered petitioner trial contradict testimony doctors holbrook grigson contention despite petitioner claim indigence refused provide expert petitioner cases indigency texas law provides payment expenses incurred purposes investigation expert testimony tex code crim proc art vernon supp federal cases cited justice blackmun dissent rejecting scientific proof post constitutional decisions decisions federal evidence law question us whether constitution forbids exposing jury judge state criminal trial opinions psychiatrists issue justice blackmun dissent concedes factfinders constitutionally competent decide trial holbrook testified without contradiction psychiatrist predict future dangerousness individual given enough background information individual tr trial tr grigson obviously held similar view see district hearing habeas petition state called two expert witnesses george parker psychologist richard koons psychiatrist doctors agreed accurate predictions future dangerousness made enough information provided furthermore deemed highly likely individual fitting characteristics one barefoot hypothetical commit future acts violence tr hearing tr although barefoot present expert testimony trial habeas hearing called fred fason psychiatrist wendell dickerson psychologist fason dwell general ability mental health professionals predict future dangerousness instead part merely criticized giving diagnosis based upon hypothetical question without actual examination conceded medical student described patient terms barefoot hypothetical highest order suspicion degree patient sociopathic personality insisted however initial impression doctor give firm diagnosis without full examination testing dickerson petitioner expert person testify suggested reliable psychiatric predictions dangerousness ever made aware many mental health professionals questioned usefulness psychiatric predictions future dangerousness light studies indicating predictions often inaccurate example habeas hearing dickerson one petitioner expert witnesses testified psychiatric predictions future dangerousness wrong two three times conceded however despite high error rate one excellently done study shown predictive validity predicting violence john monahan upon one state experts relied leading thinker issue concluded best clinical research currently existence indicates psychiatrists psychologists accurate one three predictions violent behavior period among institutionalized populations committed violence past diagnosed mentally monahan clinical prediction violent behavior emphasis original however although monahan originally believed impossible predict violent behavior time completed monograph felt may circumstances prediction empirically possible ethically appropriate hoped work improve appropriateness accuracy clinical predictions professional doubts usefulness psychiatric predictions called attention jury petitioner entire argument well justice blackmun dissent founded premise jury able separate wheat chaff share low evaluation adversary process petitioner relies people murtishaw cal california held light general unreliability testimony admitting medical testimony concerning future dangerousness error context sentencing proceeding california capital punishment statutes observed testimony psychiatrist relevant listed factors jury consider deciding whether impose death penalty distinguished cases however trier fact required statute determine whether person dangerous event expert prediction unreliable though may often evidence available assist trier fact ibid furthermore acknowledged despite recognized general unreliability predictions concerning future violence may possible party particular case show reliable prediction possible reliable prediction might also conceivable defendant exhibited pattern criminal violence knowledgeable psychiatrist anticipate future violence finally note way indicate holding based constitutional grounds petitioner also relies white estelle supp sd tex case express serious reservations use psychiatric predictions based hypotheticals instances doctor previous contact defendant actual holding case totally irrelevant issues testimony doctor interviewed defendant excluded prior interview defendant given miranda warnings opportunity consult attorney required estelle smith support view cases spaulding appear said rule rooted constitution event note advisory committee notes rule federal rules evidence state follows basic approach opinions lay expert rules admit helpful trier fact order render approach fully effective allay doubt subject ultimate issue rule abolished instant rule nothing prevented petitioner propounding hypothetical doctors based version facts drs holbrook grigson readily admitted opinions might change assumptions state hypothetical true tr certain state expert prediction easier defendant impeach example response grigson assertion sure individual characteristics one hypothetical commit acts violence future fason testified habeas hearing doctor claimed sure something without examining patient kick staff hospital arrogance tr similar testimony presented barefoot trial justice stevens concurring judgment reasons stated parts ii justice marshall dissenting opinion agree appeals made serious procedural error case nevertheless since reviewed merits petitioner appeal since agree ultimate conclusion judgment district must affirmed join judgment justice marshall justice brennan joins dissenting subscribe conclusion procedure followed appeals case inconsistent cases ante accept notion proper appeals adopt special summary procedures capital cases ante merits vacate petitioner death sentence wholeheartedly agree state prisoner obtained certificate probable cause appeal denial petition writ habeas corpus must afforded opportunity address merits appeals obligated decide merits appeal ante prisoner made showing necessary obtain certificate probable cause satisfied condition congress placed right appeal habeas corpus cases repeatedly held certificate probable cause granted appeal must duly considered disposed merits appeals accord ordinary procedure likewise agree pproving execution defendant appeal decided merits clearly improper appeals necessary prevent case becoming moot petitioner execution grant stay execution pending disposition appeal ante prisoner right appeal meaningless state allowed execute appeal considered decided although question decided today exception fifth circuit rulings case brooks estelle stay cert judgment denied courts appeals consistently held stay execution must granted unless clear prisoner appeal entirely frivolous see goode wainwright shaw martin phillips ex rel devita mccorkle fouquette bernard denman rule reflects recognition simple fact nature proceedings motion stay execution limited record coupled time constraints preclude inquiry actual merits shaw martin supra ii given acceptance basic principles frankly understand conclude appeals treatment case tolerable ante says appeals obligated decide merits appeal ante definitely failed discharge obligation never ruled petitioner appeal simply false say appeals ruled merits appeal ante record plainly shows appeals thing neither dismissed appeal frivolous affirmed judgment district appeals made one ruling one ruling refused stay petitioner execution granted stay petitioner put death without appeal ever decided one way flatly wrong suggesting defect merely technical appeals verif ied obvious expressly affirming judgment district time denied stay ante appeals failure decide petitioner appeal oversight simply authority decide appeal basis papers response question point oral argument respondent expressly conceded appeals position affirm district judgment question think appeals well concluded judgment district affirmed becker sir tr oral arg appeals dismissed petitioner appeal frivolous although rule local rules fifth circuit permits dismissal frivolous appeal petitioner appeal subject dismissal rule simple reason also conceded state oral argument tr oral arg frivolous appeals decide petitioner appeal decided decided likelihood petitioner prevailing merits insufficient justify delay result staying execution pending disposition appeal question us whether ruling permissible avoided erroneously assuming appeals decided petitioner appeal time denied stay principles stated part opinion provide answer question prisoner obtained certificate probable cause appeal appeals obligated decide merits appeal ante held less three separate occasions see garrison patterson per curiam carafas lavallee nowakowski maroney per curiam also recognizes ante appeals fulfill obligation permits state execute prisoner appeal decided probable cause appeal mockery federal justice execute prisoner pending consideration fouquette bernard supra effort reconcile procedure followed appeals principles based egregious misreading garrison patterson ante explicitly stated garrison district grants certificate probable cause appeals must proceed disposition appeal accord ordinary procedure quoting nowakowski maroney supra attempt avoid obvious import statement quotes context garrison stated effort determine whether merits addressed solicited submissions parties even cursory examination opinion garrison shows provides support whatsoever conclusion consideration merits ruling stay makes actual decision merits appeal unnecessary garrison contrast case appeals decide prisoner appeal issued order granted certificate probable cause next sentence affirmed district decision without explanation determine whether merely pro forma decision unaccompanied real consideration issues solicited submissions parties determine whether merits addressed unrecorded hearing appeals since responses received demonstrate appeals actually considered merits reversed remanded consideration appeal garrison establishes consideration merits necessary satisfy appeals statutory obligation way suggests however consideration merits ever substitute actual ruling appeal garrison held appeals failed discharge statutory obligation even though decide prisoner appeal holding transformed authority proposition appeals need decide prisoner appeal considers merits appeal ruling interlocutory motion offers justification procedure followed appeals none state legitimate interest executing prisoner obtained full review sentence stay execution pending appeal causes harm state apart minimal burden providing jail cell prisoner period time necessary decide appeal contrast denial stay basis hasty finding prisoner likely succeed appeal permits state execute prior full review concededly substantial constitutional challenge sentence hurried evaluation appeal proves erroneous entirely possible difficult legal issues decided without adequate time briefing full consideration execution prisoner make impossible undo mistake federal judge decided district judge prisoner sentence death raised substantial constitutional claim travesty justice permit state execute appeal considered decided prisoner statutory right appeal means anything state simply allowed kill thereby moot appeal iii content approving precipitous procedure followed case also proceeds suggest part opinion appeals might properly adopt special summary procedures selected cases stay death sentence requested ante important bear mind suggestion directed cases certificate probable cause appeal granted appeals concluded appeal frivolous prisoner sentenced punishment death appeal therefore considered decided accord appeals ordinary procedure since sentenced death since scheduled date execution imminent appeal decided special truncated procedures short appeal raises substantial constitutional question singled summary treatment solely state announced intention execute appellant ordinary appellate procedure run course truly perverse suggestion full briefing argument generally regarded necessary fair careful review nonfrivolous appeal absolutely justification providing fewer procedural protections solely man life stake given irreversible nature death penalty hard think class cases summary procedures less appropriate capital cases presenting substantial constitutional issue difference capital cases cases basis differentiation law diverse ways williams georgia omitted today never suggested far know fewer safeguards required life stake liberty property stake always insisted need procedural safeguards particularly great life stake long established right counsel felony cases gideon wainwright recognized right capital cases powell alabama time condemned procedures capital cases might completely acceptable ordinary case see bullington missouri beck alabama green georgia per curiam lockett ohio gardner florida woodson north carolina decisions reflect appreciation fundamental fact penalty death qualitatively different sentence imprisonment however long death finality differs life imprisonment prison term differs one year two opinion stewart powell stevens jj omitted suggesting special summary procedures might adopted solely capital cases majority turns established approach head given suggestion runs contrary repeated insistence particular need reliability capital cases one expected indication might conceivably appropriate adopt procedures instead suggestion offered without explanation conclusory paragraph entire majority opinion hint possible rationale cryptic quotation following statement lambert barrett natural counsel condemned capital case lay hold every ground judgment might tend advantage client administration justice interfered mere pretexts quoted ante contrary law dealing cases federal judge familiar case concluded substantial constitutional claim presented appeals agreed appeal frivolous contrary fact experience shows prisoners death row succeeded extraordinary number appeals capital cases decided merits courts appeals since prisoner appealed denial habeas relief prisoner prevailed fewer cases approximately time fifth circuit capital cases prisoner appellant prisoner prevailed cases record established beyond doubt large proportion federal habeas corpus appeals prisoners death row meritorious even though present claims unsuccessful state courts discretion decided review certiorari federal district judge rejected view irreversible nature death penalty extraordinary number death sentences found suffer constitutional infirmity grossly improper appeals establish special summary procedures capital cases consolation find today decision primary responsibility selecting appropriate procedures appeals lies points ante courts appeals cf burwell per curiam notwithstanding profoundly disturbing attitude reflected today opinion hopeful circuit judges ever support adoption procedures afford less consideration appeal man life stake appeal challenging ordinary money judgment iv adhering view death penalty circumstances cruel unusual punishment prohibited eighth fourteenth amendments see gregg georgia marshall dissenting furman georgia marshall concurring vacate petitioner death sentence title provides habeas corpus proceeding circuit district judge final order shall subject review appeal appeals circuit proceeding petitioner obtains certificate probable cause justice judge rendered order circuit justice judge carafas lavallee garrison patterson per curiam nowakowski maroney per curiam see generally blackmun allowance forma pauperis appeals habeas corpus cases fifth circuit followed procedure brooks estelle similar employed denial brooks application stay petition certiorari judgment constitute precedent approving procedure denials certiorari never precedential value see brown allen sunal large house mayo denial stay precedential value either since order discuss standard courts appeals apply passing application stay pending appeal recent rulings fifth circuit also followed approach see ex rel goins sigler long rule death sentence imposed federal stayed matter course defendant takes appeal see fed rule crim proc sentence death shall stayed appeal taken see tr oral arg question hy suggest wrong appeals affirm becker routine policy think question becker sir reaching conclusion appeals relied cases involving stays ordinary civil litigation denial stay result execution one litigants appeal decided agree appeal may dismissed frivolous squarely foreclosed statute rule authoritative decision lacking factual basis record ante add view frequent changes recent years law governing capital cases see bullington missouri distinguishing stroud gardner florida distinguishing williams new york fact appeal challenges holding make frivolous plausible argument made decision question called question later developments see brief naacp legal defense educational fund amicus curiae see justice blackmun justice brennan justice marshall join parts dissenting agree justice marshall said dissenting opinion dissent base conclusion also evidentiary factors rejects emphasis holds psychiatric testimony defendant future dangerousness admissible despite fact testimony wrong two times three reaches result even capital case said testimony subject impeachment present state psychiatric knowledge much one may accept routine lawsuit money damages person life stake matter heinous offense requirement greater reliability prevail capital case specious testimony psychiatrist colored eyes impressionable jury inevitable untouchability medical specialist words equates death obtain death sentence texas state required prove beyond reasonable doubt probability defendant commit criminal acts violence constitute continuing threat society tex code crim proc art vernon practical matter prediction future dangerousness issue decided barefoot sentencing jury sentencing hearing state established barefoot two prior convictions drug offenses two prior convictions unlawful possession firearms none convictions involved acts violence guilt stage trial limited purpose establishing crime committed order evade police custody see barefoot state tex crim app cert denied state presented evidence barefoot escaped jail new mexico held charges statutory rape unlawful restraint minor child intent commit sexual penetration child prosecution also called several character witnesses sentencing hearing towns five without mentioning particular examples barefoot conduct witnesses testified barefoot reputation peaceable citizen bad respective communities last prosecution called doctors holbrook grigson whose testimony extended half hearing neither examined barefoot requested opportunity examine presence jury defense counsel objection qualified expert psychiatrist witness doctor holbrook detailed length training experience psychiatrist included position chief psychiatric services texas department corrections explained previously performed many criminal evaluations trial tr subsequently took post department corrections observe subjects evaluations certain opinions accurate time trial pretrial informed jury within capacity doctor psychiatry predict future dangerousness individual within reasonable medical certainty emphasis supplied give expert medical opinion within reasonable psychiatric certainty whether individual dangerous degree probability person commit criminal acts violence future constitute continuing threat society emphasis supplied doctor grigson also detailed training medical experience said included examination thirty forty thousand individuals including charged felonies least charged murder testified enough information able give medical opinion within reasonable psychiatric certainty psychological psychiatric makeup individual emphasis supplied skill particular field psychiatry average layman psychiatrist given extended hypothetical question asking assume true barefoot four prior convictions nonviolent offenses bad reputation various communities new mexico escape events surrounding murder trial doctor grigson case new mexico arrest basis hypothetical question doctor holbrook diagnosed barefoot within reasonable psychiatr ic certainty criminal sociopath testified knew treatment change condition condition change better may become accelerated next years finally doctor holbrook testified within reasonable psychiatric certainty probability thomas barefoot hypothetical commit criminal acts violence future constitute continuing threat society opinion change society issue within texas prisons rather society outside prison doctor grigson testified basis hypothetical question diagnose barefoot within reasonable psychiatric certainty individual fairly classical typical sociopathic personality disorder placed barefoot severe category sociopaths scale one ten barefoot ten stated known cure condition finally doctor grigson testified whether barefoot society large prison society one hundred percent absolute chance barefoot commit future acts criminal violence constitute continuing threat society emphasis supplied defense counsel questioned psychiatrists studies demonstrating psychiatrists predictions future dangerousness inherently unreliable doctor holbrook indicated familiarity many studies stated disagreed conclusions doctor grigson stated familiar studies conclusions accepted small minority group psychiatrists american psychiatric association believes hour deliberation jury answered yes two statutory questions thomas barefoot sentenced death ii american psychiatric association apa participating case amicus curiae informs us unreliability psychiatric predictions future dangerousness established fact within profession brief american psychiatric association amicus curiae apa brief apa best estimate two three predictions future violence made psychiatrists wrong dispute proposition see ante indeed evidence overwhelming example apa draft report task force role psychiatry sentencing process draft report onsiderable evidence accumulated demonstrate prediction psychiatrists future violence extremely inaccurate process john monahan recognized leading thinker issue even state expert witness barefoot federal habeas corpus hearing hearing tr concludes best clinical research currently existence indicates psychiatrists psychologists accurate one three predictions violent behavior even among populations individuals mentally ill committed violence past monahan clinical prediction violent behavior emphasis deleted monahan clinical prediction see also another study found impossible identify subclass offenders whose members chance engaging assaultive act wenk robison smith violence predicted crime delinquency yet another commentator observes general mental health professionals likely wrong right predict legally relevant behavior predicting violence dangerousness suicide far likely wrong right morse crazy behavior morals science analysis mental health law cal rev morse analysis mental health law neither state texas cited single reputable scientific source contradicting unanimous conclusion professionals field psychiatric predictions future violence wrong often right apa also concludes see apa brief researchers studied issue psychiatrists simply expertise predicting future dangerousness layman access relevant statistics least well possibly better psychiatric training relevant factors validly employed make predictions psychiatrists consistently err side overpredicting violence thus doctors grigson holbrook presented state experts predicting future dangerousness scientific literature makes crystal clear expertise whatever despite claims able predict barefoot future behavior within reasonable psychiatric certainty one hundred percent absolute certainty fact one three chance correct impossible square admission purportedly scientific actually baseless testimony constitution paramount concern reliability capital sentencing death permissible punishment texas jury finds beyond reasonable doubt probability defendant commit future acts criminal violence admission unreliable psychiatric predictions future violence offered unabashed claims reasonable medical certainty absolute professional reliability creates intolerable danger death sentences imposed erroneously plurality woodson north carolina stated death finality differs life imprisonment prison term differs one year two qualitative difference corresponding difference need reliability determination death appropriate punishment specific case danger unreliable death sentence created testimony brushed aside ground jury must possible relevant information individual defendant whose fate must determine ante quoting jurek texas joint opinion announcing judgment although committed allowing wide scope evidence presentence hearings zant stephens recognized consideration must given quality well quantity information sentencing authority may rely gardner florida thus recently reaffirmed crucial limitation permissible scope evidence long evidence introduced es prejudice defendant preferable impose restrictions zant stephens quoting gregg georgia emphasis supplied admits obviously prejudicial impact testimony doctors grigson holbrook granting absolute claims likely wrong right ante doubt psychiatric testimony increased likelihood petitioner sentenced death ante indeed unreliable scientific evidence widely acknowledged prejudicial reasons manifest major danger scientific evidence potential mislead jury aura scientific infallibility may shroud evidence thus lead jury accept without critical scrutiny giannelli admissibility novel scientific evidence frye later colum rev giannelli scientific evidence public holds exaggerated opinion accuracy scientific testimony prejudice likely indelible see baller cert denied little question psychiatrists perceived public special expertise predict dangerousness perception based psychiatrists study mental disease see robitscher powers psychiatry cocozza steadman supra soc morse analysis mental health law cal perception state barefoot case sought exploit yet mental disease correlated violence see monahan clinical prediction steadman cocozza supra crim criminology stark fact expertise exists moreover psychiatrists said sometimes attempt perpetuate illusion expertise cocozza steadman supra soc doctors grigson holbrook purported able predict future dangerousness within reasonable psychiatric certainty absolutely present extremely disturbing examples tendency problem uncommon see giannelli scientific evidence colum furthermore reasonable concern encouraging introduction wide scope evidence ensure accurate information provided sentencing authority without restriction joint opinion announcing judgment gregg explained jury need relevant evidence terms experienced trial judge daily faces difficult task imposing sentences vital need accurate information able impose rational sentence typical criminal case accurate sentencing information indispensable prerequisite reasoned determination whether defendant shall live die jury people may never made sentencing decision emphasis supplied psychiatric predictions future dangerousness accurate wrong two times three probative value therefore possible contribution might make ascertainment truth virtually nonexistent see cocozza steadman supra rutgers psychiatric testimony sufficiently reliable support finding individual dangerous standard proof indeed given psychiatrist prediction individual dangerous likely defendant commit violence difficult understand admission predictions justified advancing search truth particularly light clearly prejudicial effect thus remarkable observation either petitioner apa suggests psychiatrists always wrong respect future dangerousness time ante emphasis supplied misses point completely claim testimony problematic relevant evidence defendant criminal case ante simply incredible surely commitment ensuring death sentences imposed reliably reasonably requires nonprobative highly prejudicial testimony ultimate question life death excluded capital sentencing hearing iii despite recognition testimony issue probably wrong certainly prejudicial holds testimony admissible unconvinced adversary process trusted sort reliable unreliable evidence opinion future dangerousness ante see ante one wonder juries separate valid invalid expert opinions experts obviously unable indeed evidence suggests juries effective assessing validity scientific evidence giannelli scientific evidence colum question psychiatric predictions future violence undue effect ultimate verdict even judges tend accept psychiatrists recommendations defendant dangerousness little regard testimony cocozza steadman supra soc making involuntary commitment decisions psychiatric predictions future dangerousness accepted cases see morse analysis mental health law cal every reason believe inexperienced jurors still less capable separat ing wheat chaff despite blithe assumption contrary ante american bar association warned repeatedly sentencing juries particularly incapable dealing information relating likelihood defendant commit crimes similar predictive judgments aba project standards criminal justice sentencing alternatives procedures commentary pp app draft aba standards criminal justice commentary pp ed relying aba conclusion joint opinion announcing judgment gregg georgia recognized ince members jury little previous experience sentencing unlikely skilled dealing information given case haste praise jury ability find truth apparently forgets worrisome shortcoming suggest petitioner position unreliable expert testimony excluded unheard law relies proposition rules evidence generally anticipate relevant unprivileged evidence admitted weight left factfinder benefit contrary evidence opposing party ante simply ignores hornbook law despite availability rebuttal witnesses opinion evidence admissible believes state pertinent art scientific knowledge permit reasonable opinion asserted cleary mccormick evidence ed feared jury overestimate probative value polygraph evidence example almost invariably excluded trials despite fact conservative estimate experienced polygraph examiner detect truth deception correctly percent time ennis litwack supra area purportedly expert testimony admitted jury consideration demonstrated correct often inconceivable judgment considered expert judgment less accurate flip coin risk jury incapable separating scientific myth reality deemed unacceptably high constitution mandate reliability stakes life death precludes reliance opportunity present rebuttal witnesses antidote distortion process unlikely reveal fatuousness psychiatric predictions predictions often rest case psychiatric categories intuitive clinical judgments susceptible rebuttal dix supra psychiatric categories little demonstrated relationship violence use often obscures unimpressive statistical intuitive bases prediction monahan clinical prediction cocozza steadman supra soc apa particularly condemns use diagnosis employed doctors grigson holbrook case sociopathy area confusion reigns psychiatrist careful mislead judge jury believing person major mental disease simply basis description prior criminal behavior psychiatrist mislead believing individual devoid conscience basis description criminal acts alone profession psychiatry responsibility avoid inflicting confusion upon courts spare defendant harm may result given uncertainty implications finding diagnosis sociopathy used justify support predictions future conduct certainty area draft report nature adversary system complicates use scientific opinion evidence particularly field psychiatry system partisan contention attack counterattack best ideally suited developing accurate portrait profile human personality especially area abnormal behavior although ideal conditions adversary system develop jury necessary fact material adequate decision conditions rarely achieved courtrooms country ideal conditions include highly skilled experienced trial judge highly skilled lawyers sides case addition law techniques advocacy sophisticated matters medicine psychiatry psychology far rare three legal actors cast meet standards burger psychiatrists lawyers courts fed prob june competent jury instructions may partial antidotes complete many cases truly adversarial attorneys skilled psychiatrists laypersons overweigh testimony experts case unrestricted use experts promotes incorrect view questions primarily scientific however antidote major difficulty mental health experts simply experts realms beyond true expertise law little special learn often testimony prejudicial morse analysis mental health law cal presentation psychiatric witnesses behalf defense likely remove prejudicial taint misleading testimony prosecution psychiatrists reputable expert able predict confidence defendant violent best witness able give opinion predictions dangerousness unreliable consequently jury presented traditional battle experts opposing views ultimate question given choice expert says predict certainty defendant whether confined prison free society kill expert says merely prediction made members jury charged law making prediction surely tempted opt expert claims help performing duty predicts dire consequences defendant put death moreover even best presentation defense psychiatrists convert death sentence hearing battle experts eighth amendment requirement individually focused sentencing certain loser jury attention inevitably turn assessment propriety sentencing death defendant resolving scientific dispute capabilities psychiatrists predict future violence atmosphere every reason believe jury may distracted constitutional responsibility consider particularized mitigating factors see jurek texas passing defendant future dangerousness see davis supra one searches opinion vain plausible justification tolerating state creation risk erroneous death verdict one appeals observed courtroom research laboratory fate defendant hang ability successfully rebut scientific evidence bears aura special reliability trustworthiness although reality witness testifying basis unproved hypothesis yet gain general acceptance field brown iv simply wrong claiming psychiatric testimony respecting future dangerousness necessarily admissible light jurek texas estelle smith recognizes jurek involved lay testimony ante thus surprising suggestion testimony doctors inadmissible simply irrelevant jurek disapprov use testimony see estelle smith smith psychiatric testimony issue given doctor grigson confronts us case conclusions disturbingly similar rendered see apa appearing amicus curiae argued psychiatric predictions future dangerousness excluded capital sentencing proceedings reach issue found smith death sentence invalid narrower grounds doctor grigson testimony violated smith fifth sixth amendment rights contrary inexplicable assertion case ante smith certainly reject apa position rather made clear holding jurek guided recognition inquiry dangerousness mandated texas law require resort medical experts emphasis added jurek smith held psychiatric predictions future dangerousness admissible capital sentencing proceeding claims guiding recognition irrelevant also errs suggesting exclusion psychiatrists predictions future dangerousness contrary logic jurek jurek merely upheld texas substantive decision condition death sentence upon proof probability defendant commit criminal acts violence future whether evidence offered prosecution prove probability unreliable violate capital defendant rights due process entirely different matter one raising questions fair procedure jurek conclusion texas may impose death penalty capital defendants probably commit criminal acts violence way establishes prosecution may convince jury misleading patently unreliable evidence moreover jurek holding texas death statute impermissibly vague lead ineluctably conclusion psychiatric testimony admissible makes sense exclude psychiatric predictions future violence admitting lay testimony see ante psychiatric predictions appear come trained mental health professionals purport special expertise view total scientific groundlessness predictions psychiatric testimony fatally misleading see white estelle lay testimony frankly based statistical factors demonstrated correlations violent behavior raise substantial threat unreliable capricious sentencing decisions inimical constitutional standards established cases predictions accurate psychiatrist make indeed basis jurek understood judgments made laymen basis lay testimony constitutional duty ensure state proves future dangerousness reliable manner one ensures decision impose death sentence appear based reason rather caprice emotion gardner florida texas choice substantive factors justify loading factfinding process defendant presentation bottom false testimony vacate petitioner death sentence remand proceedings consistent views appears every person convicted capital murder texas satisfy requirement relevant barefoot sentence conduct defendant caused death deceased committed deliberately reasonable expectation death deceased another result tex code crim proc art vernon capital murder conviction requires finding defendant intentionally knowingly cause death individual see tex penal code ann vernon see also among many studies reaching conclusion apa task force report clinical aspects violent individual error rate nfortunately state art apa clinical aspects steadman morrissey statistical prediction violent behavior law human behavior dix expert prediction testimony capital sentencing evidentiary constitutional considerations crim rev schwitzgebel prediction dangerousness implications treatment curran mcgarry petty modern legal medicine psychiatry forensic science cocozza steadman prediction psychiatry example misplaced confidence experts soc probs report american psychological association task force role psychology criminal justice system psychologist steadman cocozza psychiatry dangerousness repetitively violent offender crim criminology cocozza steadman failure psychiatric predictions dangerousness clear convincing evidence rutgers rev diamond psychiatric prediction dangerousness rev ennis litwack psychiatry presumption expertise flipping coins courtroom rev relatively early study making point rome identification dangerous offender see apa clinical aspects ziskin coping psychiatric psychological testimony ed steadman morrissey supra morse analysis mental health law cal cocozza steadman supra soc cocozza steadman supra rutgers see apa brief apa clinical aspects monahan clinical prediction morse analysis mental health law cal steadman cocozza supra crim criminology diamond supra psychiatrists actually may less accurate predictors future violence laymen ennis litwack supra may due personal biases favor predicting violence arising fear responsible erroneous release violent individual see monahan clinical prediction morse analysis mental health law cal also may due tendency generalize experiences past offenders bases empirical relationship future violence see shah dangerousness paradigm exploring issues law psychology american psychologist mar tendency may present grigson holbrook testimony statistical prediction clearly reliable clinical prediction monahan clinical prediction steadman morrissey supra prediction based statistics alone may done anyone morse analysis mental health law cal apa brief like district app appeals seeks justify admission psychiatric testimony ground majority psychiatric experts agree pattern repetitive assaultive violent conduct accuracy psychiatric predictions future dangerousness dramatically rises ante quoting app district correctly found empirical evidence supporting correlation repetitive past violence future violence apa said individual history past violence increases probability future violence occur draft report emphasis supplied psychiatrists special insights add actuarial fact single violent crime provide basis reliable prediction future violence apa clinical aspects see monahan clinical prediction steadman cocozza supra crim criminology lower courts sought solace statistical correlation without acknowledging obvious irrelevance facts case district find state demonstrated pattern repetitive assault violent conduct barefoot recognizing importance giving credibility experts specious prognostications state claims reputation testimony adduced sentencing hearing evince repeated widespread acts criminal violence brief respondent simply absurd testimony worthy credence barefoot committed acts violence apart crime tried testimony bad reputation peaceable conduct light fact barefoot prior convictions nonviolent offense testimony obviously based antisocial nonviolent behavior neither psychiatrist informed jury considered reputation testimony show history repeated acts violence moreover psychiatrists jury rely vague hearsay testimony order show pattern repetitive assault violent conduct barefoot death sentence rest information might bear closer relation fact average rumor item gossip gardner florida invalid reason alone death sentence rest highly dubious predictions secretly based factual foundation hearsay pure conjecture see ibid although believe misleading nature psychiatric prediction future violence violates due process introduced capital sentencing hearing admitting predictions case made without even examining defendant particularly indefensible apa words prediction following even examination inherently unreliable reason shun practice testifying without examined defendant needless say responding hypotheticals fraught possibility error testifying way individual one personally examined although courts yet rejected practice psychiatrists draft report cf stein new york prior application fifth amendment reliance coerced confession vitiate state conviction confession combines persuasiveness apparent conclusiveness judicial experience shows illusory deceptive evidence dispute obvious proposition scientific evidence impresses lay jurors tend assume accurate objective lay testimony juror thinks scientific evidence visualizes instruments capable amazingly precise measurement findings arrived dispassionate scientific tests short mind typical lay juror scientific witness special aura credibility imwinkelried evidence law tactics proponents scientific evidence scientific expert evidence imwinkelried ed purportedly scientific proof met similar fate see kilgus expert testimony identifying aircraft forward looking infrared system inadmissible unreliable generally accepted scientific field belongs brown expert identification based ion microprobic analysis human hair admissible insufficiently reliable accurate accepted field addison app expert identification based voice spectrogram inadmissible shown reliable hearst supp nd cal identification testimony expert psycholinguistics inadmissible demonstrably reliable aff grounds observes rule matter evidence law constitutional law ante principle requiring capital sentencing procedures ensure reliable verdicts see supra ignores principle due process violated introduction certain types seemingly conclusive actually unreliable evidence see supra also ignores constitutional doctrines long standing teaching evidence doctrine unreliable scientific testimony creates serious unjustifiable risk erroneous verdict adversary process best remove risk dismiss lesson merely labeling doctrine nonconstitutional relevance constitutional question certain one study example factor statistically related whether psychiatrists predicted subject violent future type crime subject charged yet defendant charge mentioned psychiatrists justify predictions one third cases criterion frequently cited delusional impaired thinking cocozza steadman supra rutgers one thing although members mental health professions believe predictions made defense lawyers may experience significant difficulties locating effective rebuttal witnesses davis texas capital sentencing procedures role jury restraining hand expert crim criminology presume reasoning suggests defendant show unable financial reasons obtain adequate rebuttal expert constitutional violation might found although jurors may treat mitigating psychiatric evidence skepticism may credit psychiatric evidence demonstrating aggravation especially jurors sensibilities offended crime may seize upon evidence dangerousness justify enhanced sentence dix supra thus danger jury deference expert opinions particularly acute death penalty cases expert testimony sort may permit juries avoid difficult emotionally draining personal decisions concerning rational punishment doctor grigson noted superfluousness misleading effect testimony think away psychiatrist cases take man street show guy done things clearcut say things think jurors feel little better psychiatrist says somebody supposed know know bloom killers shrinks texas monthly july quoting doctor grigson far wide mark asserting excluding psychiatric predictions future dangerousness capital sentencing proceedings immediately call question contexts predictions future behavior constantly made ante predictions future violence purpose emergency commitment treatment considerably accurate predictions see apa brief monahan prediction research emergency commitment dangerous mentally ill persons reconsideration psychiatry monahan clinical prediction schwitzgebel supra contexts psychiatric predictions future dangerousness made moreover subject criminally convicted much less put death result predictive error risk error therefore may shifted defendant extent see addington texas apa discussing civil commitment proceedings based determinations dangerousness light unreliability psychiatric predictions lose monitoring frequent willingness change one mind treatment recommendations dispositions violent persons whether within legal system without acceptable practice psychiatrist play helpful role assessments dangerousness apa clinical aspects emphasis supplied capital case chance monitoring subsequent change mind brings justice delayed despair irreversible error see bonnie slobogin role mental health professionals criminal process case informed speculation rev focus death penalty cases primarily ensuring fair procedure ensuring death penalty meted arbitrarily capriciously principal concern procedure state imposes death sentence substantive factors state lays jury basis imposing death determined defendant falls within category persons eligible death penalty california ramos post emphasis original