H.R. 1556: Eric’s Law

This bill, known as Eric's Law, proposes amendments to the United States Code regarding the sentencing process in federal death penalty cases. The key provisions of the bill are as follows:

Requirement for a New Jury

Currently, if a jury cannot reach a unanimous decision on whether a defendant should receive the death penalty, there are certain procedures in place. Under this proposed bill, if a jury cannot unanimously recommend a sentence of death, life imprisonment without possibility of release, or a lesser sentence, the judge will be required to order a new jury to be impaneled for a special hearing. This would ensure that the case is deliberated again with a fresh set of jurors.

Procedural Amendments

The amendments specify that:

• If the jury fails to reach a unanimous decision in a capital case (a case involving potential death penalty), the judge must conduct a new hearing and select a new jury.
• In cases where the new jury also does not reach a unanimous verdict, the judge will impose a different sentence that is allowed by law, which cannot be the death penalty.

Impact on Sentencing

This bill aims to address situations where a jury is deadlocked, potentially leading to consequences such as prolonged legal proceedings or ambiguity in sentencing. By ensuring a new jury is convened, the bill seeks to facilitate a clearer resolution in capital cases.

Overall Purpose

The overarching goal of Eric's Law is to streamline the sentencing process in death penalty cases and to reduce uncertainty in the judicial system regarding capital sentences by mandating that a new jury is brought in if the original jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict.

Relevant Companies

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