United StatesProsecutors could require another jury hearing in federal death-penalty cases
Federal prosecutors could require a second sentencing jury after a deadlock, but another deadlock would require a sentence other than death.
What it does
In federal death-penalty cases, prosecutors could require another sentencing hearing with a different jury when jurors cannot agree. If the second jury also cannot agree, the judge would have to choose a sentence other than death.
Argument forA second jury could resolve a sentencing disagreement while keeping the sentencing recommendation in jurors’ hands.
Argument againstAnother sentencing hearing could prolong a defendant’s case and leave death possible after the first jury fails to agree.
More detail
At prosecutors’ request, the court would have to hold another sentencing hearing with a different jury. The rule would cover federal death-penalty sentencing juries that cannot unanimously recommend death, life in prison without release, or a lesser sentence. If the second jury also fails to agree unanimously, the judge would have to impose a lawful sentence other than death.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Feb 25Introduced in SenateLatest
- Feb 25Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.Introduced
Criminal Justice