No. 20-7988
Robert Allen Poyson v. Arizona
Tags: aggravating-factors capital-sentencing causal-nexus constitutional-review death-penalty eighth-amendment individualized-sentencing mitigation-evidence non-statutory-mitigation
Latest Conference:
2021-09-27
Question Presented (from Petition)
1. Is the individualized capital sentencing requirement guaranteed by the
Eighth Amendment violated when a State—whether by statute or court-
imposed rule—predetermines that in all cases only minimal weight is to be
afforded non-statutory mitigation, alleged to lack a causal nexus to the
capital offense?
2. Whether the Arizona Supreme Court's review of a death sentence satisfies
the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments where it fails to consider whether
the State has proved an aggravating factor?
Question Presented (AI Summary)
Is the individualized capital sentencing requirement guaranteed by the Eighth Amendment violated when a State predetermines that in all cases only minimal weight is to be afforded non-statutory mitigation?
Docket Entries
2021-10-04
Petition DENIED.
2021-07-29
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 9/27/2021.
2021-07-26
Reply of petitioner Robert Poyson filed.
2021-07-12
Brief of respondent State of Arizona in opposition filed.
2021-05-27
Motion to extend the time to file a response is granted and the time is extended to and including July 12, 2021.
2021-05-26
Motion to extend the time to file a response from June 10, 2021 to July 12, 2021, submitted to The Clerk.
2021-05-06
Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due June 10, 2021)
Attorneys
Robert Poyson
Natman Schaye — Arizona Capital Representation Project, Petitioner
State of Arizona
Ginger Jarvis — Arizona Attorney General's Office, Respondent
David Robert Cole — Respondent