degree of guilt hearing (Pennsylvania) · Go Syfert
← Pennsylvania issues

degree of guilt hearing in Pennsylvania

60 Pennsylvania opinions name it 4 courts 1968–2024 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Pennsylvania courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (29)

CaseFollowedCited
Commonwealth v. Myersgreen
pa · 1978 · cited in 4 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2004–2014
2 sentences

2014Id. at 710 (citing Commonwealth v. Myers, 392 A.2d 685, 687 (1978)). ____________________________________________ 5 Neither Myers nor Passmore explains why the court should consider voluntary manslaughter as a potential verdict in a degree of guilt hearing when the defendant enters a guilty plea to murder generally.

2006The purpose of the degree of guilt hearing is "to determine whether the homicide was murder of the first, second or third degree, or voluntary manslaughter." Commonwealth v. Myers, 481 Pa. 217 , 392 A.2d 685, 687 (1978).

34
Commonwealth v. Whitegreen
pa · 2006 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2007–2021
2 sentences

2007White, 910 A.2d at 662 (defendant's general plea to murder does not vitiate the Commonwealth's right to a jury trial at the degree of guilt hearing).

2007White, 910 A.2d at 662 (defendant’s general plea to murder does not vitiate the Commonwealth’s right to a jury trial at the degree of guilt hearing).

22
Commonwealth v. Fioregreen
pasuperct · 2001 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2017–2019
2 sentences

2019Commonwealth v. Fiore, 780 A.2d 704, 711 (Pa. Super. 2001) (emphasis added).1 As noted above, Appellant contends that the PCRA court erred in concluding that this after-discovered evidence would not have changed the outcome of Appellant’s degree-of-guilt hearing.

2017Commonwealth v. Fiore, 780 A.2d 704, 711 (Pa. Super. 2001).2 We first consider Appellant’s contention that the PCRA court erred in concluding that this after-discovered evidence would not have changed the outcome of Appellant’s degree-of-guilt hearing.

22
Commonwealth v. Robinsongreen
pa · 1971 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1975–1976
2 sentences

1976In Commonwealth v. Robinson, 442 Pa. 512, 515, n. 2 , 276 A.2d 537, 539 (1971), we said: “We have concluded that the preferable practice, since it may narrow the issues on appeal or perhaps obviate an appeal entirely, is to file post trial motions in any first degree case where error is asserted, whether the conviction follows a full trial or only a degree of guilt hearing held after a plea of guilty.” In numerous cases we have enunciated and applied the rule that issues not raised in post-verdict motions are deemed waived and may not be raised on direct appeal.

1976In Commonwealth v. Robinson, 442 Pa. 512, 515, n. 2 , 276 A.2d 537, 539 (1971), we said: “We have concluded that the preferable practice, since it may narrow the issues on appeal or perhaps obviate an appeal entirely, is to file post trial motions in any first degree case where error is asserted, whether the conviction follows a full trial or only a degree of guilt hearing held after a plea of guilty.” In numerous cases we have enunciated and applied the rule that issues not raised in post-verdict motions are deemed waived and may not be raised on direct appeal.

22
Douglas v. Californiagreen
scotus · 1963 · cited in 3 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1968–1973
2 sentences

1973See Commonwealth v. Willman, 434 Pa. 489 , 255 A. 2d 534 (1969). 3 The notes of testimony reveal that at no time after the degree of guilt hearing or prior to or after sentencing was appeUant informed of his appellate rights in accordance with Douglas v. California, 372 U.S. 353 , 83 S. Ct. 814 (1963).

1973See Commonwealth v. Willman, 434 Pa. 489 , 255 A. 2d 534 (1969). 3 The notes of testimony reveal that at no time after the degree of guilt hearing or prior to or after sentencing was appeUant informed of his appellate rights in accordance with Douglas v. California, 372 U.S. 353 , 83 S. Ct. 814 (1963).

13
Com. v. Payne, R.green
pasuperct · 2019 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2020–2023
2 sentences

2023Id. at 301-302 .

2020Id. at 300, 302 .

12
Commonwealth v. Dickersongreen
pa · 1962 · cited in 2 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1971–1974
2 sentences

1974Fay v. Noia, 372 U.S. 391, 434, 438-439 , 83 S. Ct. 822 , 9 L.Ed.2d 837 (1963)." 429 F.2d at 795 . [1] In 1962 Murray Dickerson, Broaddus' codefendant, contested the legality of his "bring-up" order, Commonwealth v. Dickerson, 406 Pa. 102 , 176 A.2d 421 (1962), and one year later requested a writ of habeas corpus.

1974Fay v. Noia, 372 U.S. 391, 434, 438-439 , 83 S. Ct. 822 , 9 L.Ed.2d 837 (1963)." 429 F.2d at 795 . [1] In 1962 Murray Dickerson, Broaddus' codefendant, contested the legality of his "bring-up" order, Commonwealth v. Dickerson, 406 Pa. 102 , 176 A.2d 421 (1962), and one year later requested a writ of habeas corpus.

12
Commonwealth v. Cox, J., Aplt.green
pa · 2016 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2017–2017
1 sentence

2017To succeed on an after-discovered evidence claim, the “petitioner must prove that (1) the evidence has been discovered after trial and it could not have been obtained at or prior to trial through reasonable diligence; (2) the evidence is not cumulative; (3) it is not being used solely to impeach credibility; and (4) it would likely compel a different verdict.” Commonwealth v. Cox, 146 A.3d 221, 228 (Pa. 2016) (internal quotation omitted).

11
Commonwealth v. Flanagangreen
pa · 2004 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015In addition to a defective plea colloquy, the plea court “erroneously advised Flanagan that accomplice theory renders an accomplice liable for ‘any crimes committed by any other accomplice regardless of whether a particular accomplice committed the particular crime about which we are talking.’ ” Id. at 493.

11
Commonwealth v. Reillygreen
pa · 1988 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
1 sentence

2014Third-degree murder has been defined as a killing done with malice that was "neither intentional nor committed during the perpetration of a felony." Commonwealth v. Reilly, 549 A.2d 503, 510 (Pa.1988).

11
Commonwealth v. Fearsgreen
pa · 2003 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
1 sentence

2013Compare Flor, 998 A.2d at 615 (sufficiency assessed on evidence introduced at penalty phase hearing) with Fears, 836 A.2d at 59 (assessed on evidence presented at suppression hearing and summarized by Commonwealth at plea colloquy).

11
Commonwealth v. Florgreen
pa · 2010 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
1 sentence

2013Compare Flor, 998 A.2d at 615 (sufficiency assessed on evidence introduced at penalty phase hearing) with Fears, 836 A.2d at 59 (assessed on evidence presented at suppression hearing and summarized by Commonwealth at plea colloquy).

11
Commonwealth ex rel. Kerekes v. Maroneygreen
pa · 1966 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
2 sentences

2006See Maroney, 423 Pa. at 340 , 223 A.2d at 701 ; Commonwealth ex rel.

2006See Maroney, 423 Pa. at 340 , 223 A.2d at 701 ; Commonwealth ex rel.

11
Commonwealth v. Browngreen
pa · 2004 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
2 sentences

2006This Court granted allowance of appeal on the question of "whether the Commonwealth is permitted to appeal an order denying recusal of a trial judge as an interlocutory order pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 311(d), and if so, whether denial of the recusal motion was in error." Commonwealth v. White, 577 Pa. 316 , 845 A.2d 199, 200 (2004).

2006This Court granted allowance of appeal on the question of “whether the Commonwealth is permitted to appeal an order denying recusal of a trial judge as an interlocutory order pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 311(d), and if so, whether denial of the recusal motion was in error.” Commonwealth v. White, 577 Pa. 316 , 845 A.2d 199, 200 (2004).

11
Commonwealth v. Tharpgreen
pa · 2000 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
2 sentences

2006I, § 6 ("in criminal cases the Commonwealth shall have the same right to trial by jury as does the accused."); see also Commonwealth v. Tharp, 562 Pa. 231 , 754 A.2d 1251 (2000) (holding amendment to Article I, § 6, which affords Commonwealth same right to jury trial as accused, is constitutional), and it may request one at the degree of guilt hearing.

2006I, § 6 ("in criminal cases the Commonwealth shall have the same right to trial by jury as does the accused."); see also Commonwealth v. Tharp, 562 Pa. 231 , 754 A.2d 1251 (2000) (holding amendment to Article I, § 6, which affords Commonwealth same right to jury trial as accused, is constitutional), and it may request one at the degree of guilt hearing.

11
Commonwealth v. Mitchellgreen
pa · 1991 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
11
Commonwealth v. Forbesgreen
pa · 1973 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1989–1989
11
Commonwealth v. Tabbgreen
pa · 1978 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1981–1981
11
Commonwealth v. Petrakovichgreen
pa · 1974 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1978–1978
11
Commonwealth v. Gravesgreen
pa · 1975 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1977–1977
11
Commonwealth v. Smithgreen
pa · 1973 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1975–1975
11
Commonwealth v. Stokesgreen
pa · 1967 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1975–1975
11
Prock v. District Court of Tulsa Countygreen
oklacrimapp · 1967 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1974–1974
11
Arsenault v. Massachusettsgreen
scotus · 1968 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1974–1974
11
Fay v. Noiared
scotus · 1963 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1974–1974
11
Commonwealth v. Chambersgreen
pa · 1968 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1974–1974
11
Commonwealth v. Chruscialgreen
pa · 1972 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1973–1973
11
New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church v. Draytongreen
pa · 1972 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1973–1973
11
Commonwealth v. Willmangreen
pa · 1969 · cited in 1 Pennsylvania opinions naming this issue, 1973–1973
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Pennsylvania. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (51)

CaseCitedYears
Miranda v. Arizona green
scotus · 1966
2 sentences

1972However, the degree of guilt hearing was three years prior to effective date of Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), and one year before the effective date of Escobedo v. Illinois, 378 U.S. 478 (1964).

1968This is exactly the situation before us in this appeal: the appellant does not challenge the validity of her guilty plea; nor does she claim that the allegedly coerced confessions induced her guilty plea; her only assignment for error is the correctness of admitting into evidence in the degree of guilt hearing statements which she claims were procured by the district attorney without complying with the standards in Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 , 86 S. Ct. 1602 (1966).

31968–1972
Commonwealth v. Passmore green
pasuperct · 2004
2 sentences

2024Passmore, 857 A.2d at 713 .

2014Id. at 710 (citing Commonwealth v. Myers, 392 A.2d 685, 687 (1978)). ____________________________________________ 5 Neither Myers nor Passmore explains why the court should consider voluntary manslaughter as a potential verdict in a degree of guilt hearing when the defendant enters a guilty plea to murder generally.

22014–2024
Commonwealth v. Marsh green
pa · 1970
2 sentences

1970Mr. Justice Roberts concurs in the result for the same reasons noted in his concurring and dissenting opinion in Commonwealth v. Marsh, 440 Pa. 590, 596 , 271 A. 2d 481 (1970). 1 The record reveals that careful consideration was given by the lower court to the circumstances surrounding the confession both at a pretrial suppression hearing and at the time of the introduction of the confession into evidence at the degree of guilt hearing conducted by a court on Vano.

1970Mr. Justice Roberts concurs in the result for the same reasons noted in his concurring and dissenting opinion in Commonwealth v. Marsh, 440 Pa. 590, 596 , 271 A. 2d 481 (1970). 1 The record reveals that careful consideration was given by the lower court to the circumstances surrounding the confession both at a pretrial suppression hearing and at the time of the introduction of the confession into evidence at the degree of guilt hearing conducted by a court on Vano.

21970–1985
Commonwealth v. Baity green
pa · 1968
2 sentences

1974Commonwealth v. Baity, 428 Pa. 306 , 237 A.2d 172 (1968); Commonwealth v. Garrett, 425 Pa. 594 , 229 A.2d 922 (1967). *373 The confession was read into the record at the degree of guilt hearing only after a stipulation by defense counsel and the Commonwealth that appellant’s ten page statement was voluntarily given.

1974Commonwealth v. Baity, 428 Pa. 306 , 237 A.2d 172 (1968); Commonwealth v. Garrett, 425 Pa. 594 , 229 A.2d 922 (1967). *373 The confession was read into the record at the degree of guilt hearing only after a stipulation by defense counsel and the Commonwealth that appellant’s ten page statement was voluntarily given.

21968–1974
Saranchak v. Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections green
ca3 · 2015
1 sentence

2019Id. at 596 .

12019–2019
Commonwealth v. Lofton green
pa · 1972
1 sentence

2016The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania found that: "While we believe that a concession by counsel at a degree of guilt hearing that his client is guilty of first degree 9 murder should be offered only with the utmost of caution and only in those cases where the evidence to that effect is truly overwhelming, we cannot conclude on this record that [defendant's] counsel's strategy lacked any 'reasonable basis."' Id.

12016–2016
Commonwealth v. Lesko green
pa · 2011
1 sentence

2016Id.

12016–2016
Graham v. Florida green
scotus · 2010
1 sentence

2015J-S54023-15 In 2010, Buli filed a PCRA petition asserting that his sentence was illegal under Graham v. Florida, 130 S.Ct. 2011 (U.S. 2010).

12015–2015
Commonwealth v. Shaver green
pa · 1983
1 sentence

2015A psychiatrist testified at the hearing that Shaver “acted under ‘extended provocation’ brought about by the stress, anger and hostility created by his marital problems and that this provocation reached a ‘crescendo’ on the day of the killing.” Shaver, supra at 745 .

12015–2015
Blakely v. Washington green
scotus · 2004
12006–2006
Commonwealth v. Staush neutral
pa · 1917
2 sentences

2006White's Brief, at 50-51 (citing Commonwealth v. Petrillo, 340 Pa. 33 , 16 A.2d 50 (1940); Commonwealth v. Staush, 256 Pa. 620 , 101 A. 72 (1917)).

2006White's Brief, at 50-51 (citing Commonwealth v. Petrillo, 340 Pa. 33 , 16 A.2d 50 (1940); Commonwealth v. Staush, 256 Pa. 620 , 101 A. 72 (1917)).

12006–2006
Apprendi v. New Jersey green
scotus · 2000
2 sentences

2006White also rejects the Commonwealth's reliance on Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466 , 120 S.Ct. 2348 , 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000), Ring v. Arizona, 536 U.S. 584 , 122 S.Ct. 2428 , 153 L.Ed.2d 556 (2002), and Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296 , 124 S.Ct. 2531 , 159 L.Ed.2d 403 (2004), for the proposition that a jury is required at a degree of guilt hearing.

2006White also rejects the Commonwealth's reliance on Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466 , 120 S.Ct. 2348 , 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000), Ring v. Arizona, 536 U.S. 584 , 122 S.Ct. 2428 , 153 L.Ed.2d 556 (2002), and Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296 , 124 S.Ct. 2531 , 159 L.Ed.2d 403 (2004), for the proposition that a jury is required at a degree of guilt hearing.

12006–2006
Ring v. Arizona green
scotus · 2002
2 sentences

2006White also rejects the Commonwealth's reliance on Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466 , 120 S.Ct. 2348 , 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000), Ring v. Arizona, 536 U.S. 584 , 122 S.Ct. 2428 , 153 L.Ed.2d 556 (2002), and Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296 , 124 S.Ct. 2531 , 159 L.Ed.2d 403 (2004), for the proposition that a jury is required at a degree of guilt hearing.

2006White also rejects the Commonwealth's reliance on Apprendi v. New Jersey, 530 U.S. 466 , 120 S.Ct. 2348 , 147 L.Ed.2d 435 (2000), Ring v. Arizona, 536 U.S. 584 , 122 S.Ct. 2428 , 153 L.Ed.2d 556 (2002), and Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296 , 124 S.Ct. 2531 , 159 L.Ed.2d 403 (2004), for the proposition that a jury is required at a degree of guilt hearing.

12006–2006
Commonwealth v. White green
pa · 2004
2 sentences

2006This Court granted allowance of appeal on the question of "whether the Commonwealth is permitted to appeal an order denying recusal of a trial judge as an interlocutory order pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 311(d), and if so, whether denial of the recusal motion was in error." Commonwealth v. White, 577 Pa. 316 , 845 A.2d 199, 200 (2004).

2006This Court granted allowance of appeal on the question of “whether the Commonwealth is permitted to appeal an order denying recusal of a trial judge as an interlocutory order pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 311(d), and if so, whether denial of the recusal motion was in error.” Commonwealth v. White, 577 Pa. 316 , 845 A.2d 199, 200 (2004).

12006–2006
Commonwealth v. White green
pasuperct · 2003
2 sentences

2006In considering whether the Commonwealth has a right to a jury at a degree of guilt hearing, the Superior Court first noted the procedural rule governing such hearings "affords a criminal defendant the option of having the trial judge, rather than a jury, determine her degree of guilt." Id., at 561 .

2006Accordingly, the court concluded a degree of guilt hearing was "a variation of a waiver trial and as such, it cannot trump the Commonwealth's constitutional right to demand a jury trial." Id.

12006–2006
Commonwealth v. Petrillo green
pa · 1940
2 sentences

2006White's Brief, at 50-51 (citing Commonwealth v. Petrillo, 340 Pa. 33 , 16 A.2d 50 (1940); Commonwealth v. Staush, 256 Pa. 620 , 101 A. 72 (1917)).

2006White's Brief, at 50-51 (citing Commonwealth v. Petrillo, 340 Pa. 33 , 16 A.2d 50 (1940); Commonwealth v. Staush, 256 Pa. 620 , 101 A. 72 (1917)).

12006–2006
Commonwealth v. Stevens green
pa · 1999
12005–2005
Commonwealth v. Ramos green
pa · 1987
12005–2005
Commonwealth v. Halley green
pa · 2005
12005–2005
Commonwealth v. Michael green
pa · 2000
12003–2003
Commonwealth v. Swaney green
pa · 1971
12003–2003
Commonwealth v. Ingram green
pa · 1974
12003–2003
Commonwealth v. Basemore green
pa · 1990
11996–1996
Commonwealth v. Miller green
pa · 1973
11988–1988
Commonwealth v. Velasquez green
pa · 1970
11985–1985
Commonwealth v. Mosley green
pasuperct · 1980
11981–1981
Commonwealth v. Minor green
pa · 1976
11981–1981
Commonwealth v. Bastone green
pa · 1976
11981–1981
Commonwealth v. Ammon green
pasuperct · 1980
11981–1981
Commonwealth v. Quinlan neutral
pasuperct · 1978
11980–1980
Commonwealth v. Agie green
pa · 1972
11976–1976
Commonwealth v. Walters green
pa · 1968
11975–1975
Commonwealth v. Marsh green
pa · 1972
11975–1975
Furman v. Georgia green
scotus · 1972
11975–1975
Commonwealth v. Walker green
pa · 1975
11975–1975
Commonwealth v. Musser green
pa · 1970
11975–1975
United States of America Ex Rel. Spencer Broaddus, E-9299 v. A. T. Rundle, Superintendent green
ca3 · 1970
11974–1974
Commonwealth v. Garrett green
pa · 1967
11974–1974
Commonwealth v. Vento green
pa · 1963
11973–1973
Commonwealth v. Lee green
pa · 1973
11973–1973

Statutes the citing opinions construe

PA § 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2502 (6) PA § 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9711 (5) PA § 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9543 (4) PA § 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2501 (3) PA § 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 9545 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

PA 60 (1968–2024) IA 5 (1977–1985)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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