mercy instruction in Alabama

7 Alabama opinions name it 1 courts 1999–2010 0 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Alabama 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 (8)

Case	Followed	Cited
Boyd v. Stategreen alacrimapp · 1997 · cited in 4 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1999–2010 2 sentences 2010It is a matter of calm reflection, not for the indulgence of emotion.” (Vol. XIII, R. 2000-01.) In Brown v. State, 11 So.3d 866, 921 (Ala.Crim.App.2007), aff'd, 11 So.3d 933 (Ala.2008), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 129 S.Ct. 2864 , 174 L.Ed.2d 582 (2009), the appellant also argued that “the circuit court’s instruction allowed the jury to believe that it could not consider mercy in determining its penalty-phase verdict.” We held: “ ‘Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that “[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.” Boyd v. State, 715 So. 2007There is no room for the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor.” (R. 718-19.) “Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that ‘[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.’ Boyd v. State, 715 So.2d 825, 846 (Ala.Cr.App.1997), aff'd, 715 So.2d 852 (Ala.), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 968 , 119 S.Ct. 416 , 142 L.Ed.2d 338 (1998).	4	4
Taylor v. Stategreen alacrimapp · 1994 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 1999–2010 2 sentences 2010See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994) aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995). 2007See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995).	3	3
Barber v. Stategreen alacrimapp · 2005 · cited in 3 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2007–2010 2 sentences 2010See Barber v. State, 952 So.2d 393 (Ala.Crim.App.2005); Melson v. State, 775 So.2d 857 (Ala.Crim.App.1999).” Smith v. State, - So.3d at -. 2010See Barber v. State, 952 So.2d 393 (Ala.Crim.App.2005); Melson v. State, 775 So.2d 857 (Ala.Crim.App.1999).”).	3	3
Ex Parte Taylorgreen ala · 1995 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2007–2010 2 sentences 2010See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994) aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995). 2007See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995).	2	2
San Miguel v. United Statesgreen scotus · 1996 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2007–2010 2 sentences 2010See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994) aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995). 2007See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995).	2	2
Thomas v. Chatergreen scotus · 1996 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2007–2010 2 sentences 2010See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994) aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995). 2007See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995).	2	2
Brown v. Stategreen alacrimapp · 2007 · cited in 2 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2009–2010 2 sentences 2010It is a matter of calm reflection, not for the indulgence of emotion.” (Vol. XIII, R. 2000-01.) In Brown v. State, 11 So.3d 866, 921 (Ala.Crim.App.2007), aff'd, 11 So.3d 933 (Ala.2008), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 129 S.Ct. 2864 , 174 L.Ed.2d 582 (2009), the appellant also argued that “the circuit court’s instruction allowed the jury to believe that it could not consider mercy in determining its penalty-phase verdict.” We held: “ ‘Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that “[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.” Boyd v. State, 715 So. 2009To the extent Vanpelt implies that he was entitled an instruction regarding mercy, “it is well settled in Alabama that ‘[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.’” Brown v. State, 11 So.3d 866, 921 (Ala.Crim.App.2007) (quoting Perkins v. State, 808 So.2d 1041, 1134-35 (Ala.Crim.	2	2
Perkins v. Stategreen alacrimapp · 1999 · cited in 1 Alabama opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009 1 sentence 2009To the extent Vanpelt implies that he was entitled an instruction regarding mercy, “it is well settled in Alabama that ‘[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.’” Brown v. State, 11 So.3d 866, 921 (Ala.Crim.App.2007) (quoting Perkins v. State, 808 So.2d 1041, 1134-35 (Ala.Crim.	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

Case	Negative	Cited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Alabama. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (13)

Case	Cited	Years
Colon v. Florida Commission on Ethics green scotus · 1998 2 sentences 2010It is a matter of calm reflection, not for the indulgence of emotion.” (Vol. XIII, R. 2000-01.) In Brown v. State, 11 So.3d 866, 921 (Ala.Crim.App.2007), aff'd, 11 So.3d 933 (Ala.2008), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 129 S.Ct. 2864 , 174 L.Ed.2d 582 (2009), the appellant also argued that “the circuit court’s instruction allowed the jury to believe that it could not consider mercy in determining its penalty-phase verdict.” We held: “ ‘Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that “[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.” Boyd v. State, 715 So. 2007There is no room for the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor.” (R. 718-19.) “Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that ‘[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.’ Boyd v. State, 715 So.2d 825, 846 (Ala.Cr.App.1997), aff'd, 715 So.2d 852 (Ala.), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 968 , 119 S.Ct. 416 , 142 L.Ed.2d 338 (1998).	3	1999–2010
Collins v. Augusta Housing Authority green scotus · 1998 2 sentences 2010It is a matter of calm reflection, not for the indulgence of emotion.” (Vol. XIII, R. 2000-01.) In Brown v. State, 11 So.3d 866, 921 (Ala.Crim.App.2007), aff'd, 11 So.3d 933 (Ala.2008), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 129 S.Ct. 2864 , 174 L.Ed.2d 582 (2009), the appellant also argued that “the circuit court’s instruction allowed the jury to believe that it could not consider mercy in determining its penalty-phase verdict.” We held: “ ‘Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that “[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.” Boyd v. State, 715 So. 2007There is no room for the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor.” (R. 718-19.) “Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that ‘[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.’ Boyd v. State, 715 So.2d 825, 846 (Ala.Cr.App.1997), aff'd, 715 So.2d 852 (Ala.), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 968 , 119 S.Ct. 416 , 142 L.Ed.2d 338 (1998).	3	1999–2010
Boyd v. Alabama green scotus · 1998 2 sentences 2010It is a matter of calm reflection, not for the indulgence of emotion.” (Vol. XIII, R. 2000-01.) In Brown v. State, 11 So.3d 866, 921 (Ala.Crim.App.2007), aff'd, 11 So.3d 933 (Ala.2008), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 129 S.Ct. 2864 , 174 L.Ed.2d 582 (2009), the appellant also argued that “the circuit court’s instruction allowed the jury to believe that it could not consider mercy in determining its penalty-phase verdict.” We held: “ ‘Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that “[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.” Boyd v. State, 715 So. 2007There is no room for the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor.” (R. 718-19.) “Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that ‘[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.’ Boyd v. State, 715 So.2d 825, 846 (Ala.Cr.App.1997), aff'd, 715 So.2d 852 (Ala.), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 968 , 119 S.Ct. 416 , 142 L.Ed.2d 338 (1998).	3	1999–2010
Ex Parte Boyd green ala · 1998 2 sentences 2010It is a matter of calm reflection, not for the indulgence of emotion.” (Vol. XIII, R. 2000-01.) In Brown v. State, 11 So.3d 866, 921 (Ala.Crim.App.2007), aff'd, 11 So.3d 933 (Ala.2008), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 129 S.Ct. 2864 , 174 L.Ed.2d 582 (2009), the appellant also argued that “the circuit court’s instruction allowed the jury to believe that it could not consider mercy in determining its penalty-phase verdict.” We held: “ ‘Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that “[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.” Boyd v. State, 715 So. 2007There is no room for the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor.” (R. 718-19.) “Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that ‘[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.’ Boyd v. State, 715 So.2d 825, 846 (Ala.Cr.App.1997), aff'd, 715 So.2d 852 (Ala.), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 968 , 119 S.Ct. 416 , 142 L.Ed.2d 338 (1998).	3	1999–2010
Melson v. State green alacrimapp · 1999 2 sentences 2010See Barber v. State, 952 So.2d 393 (Ala.Crim.App.2005); Melson v. State, 775 So.2d 857 (Ala.Crim.App.1999).” Smith v. State, - So.3d at -. 2010See Barber v. State, 952 So.2d 393 (Ala.Crim.App.2005); Melson v. State, 775 So.2d 857 (Ala.Crim.App.1999).”).	3	2007–2010
Kohler v. Kelly green scotus · 1995 2 sentences 2010See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994) aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995). 2007See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995).	2	2007–2010
Washington v. Scott green scotus · 1995 2 sentences 2010See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994) aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995). 2007See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995).	2	2007–2010
Brinkley v. Skjonsberg green scotus · 1995 2 sentences 2010See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994) aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995). 2007See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995).	2	2007–2010
Rieber v. State green alacrimapp · 1994 2 sentences 2010See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994) aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995). 2007See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995).	2	2007–2010
Ex Parte Rieber green ala · 1995 2 sentences 2010See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994) aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995). 2007See also, Taylor v. State, 666 So.2d 36 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 666 So.2d 73 (Ala.1995), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 1120 , 116 S.Ct. 928 , 133 L.Ed.2d 856 (1996); Rieber v. State, 663 So.2d 985 (Ala.Cr.App.1994), aff'd, 663 So.2d 999 (Ala.), cert. denied, 516 U.S. 995 , 116 S.Ct. 531 , 133 L.Ed.2d 437 (1995).	2	2007–2010
Ex Parte Brown green ala · 2008 1 sentence 2010It is a matter of calm reflection, not for the indulgence of emotion.” (Vol. XIII, R. 2000-01.) In Brown v. State, 11 So.3d 866, 921 (Ala.Crim.App.2007), aff'd, 11 So.3d 933 (Ala.2008), cert. denied, — U.S. -, 129 S.Ct. 2864 , 174 L.Ed.2d 582 (2009), the appellant also argued that “the circuit court’s instruction allowed the jury to believe that it could not consider mercy in determining its penalty-phase verdict.” We held: “ ‘Contrary to Perkins’s contention, it is well settled in Alabama that “[a] capital defendant is not automatically entitled to a mercy instruction.” Boyd v. State, 715 So.	1	2010–2010
Allen v. United States green scotus · 2002 1 sentence 2009App.1999), vacated on other grounds, Perkins v. Alabama, 536 U.S. 953 , 122 S.Ct. 2653 , 153 L.Ed.2d 830 (2002), quoting in turn, Boyd v. State, 715 So.2d 825, 846 (Ala.Crim.App.(1997)).	1	2009–2009
Perkins v. Alabama green scotus · 2002 1 sentence 2009App.1999), vacated on other grounds, Perkins v. Alabama, 536 U.S. 953 , 122 S.Ct. 2653 , 153 L.Ed.2d 830 (2002), quoting in turn, Boyd v. State, 715 So.2d 825, 846 (Ala.Crim.App.(1997)).	1	2009–2009

Statutes the citing opinions construe

AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-40 (7) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-49 (7) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-53 (7) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-45 (6) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-47 (6) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-51 (6) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-52 (6) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-46 (5) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-48 (3) AL § Ala. Code § 13A-5-50 (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

MS 71 (1986–2022) NY 13 (2008–2026) IL 8 (1991–2018) AL 7 (1999–2010) FL 3 (2018–2020) IA 3 (2016–2025) MD 3 (1994–2020) OH 3 (2011–2025) CA 3 (2003–2020) KS 2 (2012–2016) MO 2 (1915–2023) TN 2 (1994–1998) PA 2 (2002–2023) WI 2 (1996–2021)

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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