Supreme Court of Louisiana, 1981

State v. Watson

State v. Watson
Supreme Court of Louisiana · Decided June 5, 1981 · Blanche, Grant, Lemmon, Writ
399 So. 2d 1176; 1981 La. LEXIS 8387 (Southern Reporter, Second Series)

State v. Watson

Dissenting Opinion

LEMMON, J.,

dissents.

While any person may be called as a witness, the application complains about specific questions and answers which are anticipated. In my opinion evidence at a sentencing hearing is properly limited to mitigating circumstances of the offense. Opinion evidence attacking the morality of the death penalty in general should be excluded.

Opinion of the Court

In re: State of Louisiana, through the District Attorney, Harry J. Morel, Jr., applying for Writs of Certiorari, Mandamus, Prohibition and Stay Order, Parish of St. Charles, No. 81-069.

Denied.

BLANCHE, J., would grant the writ.

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