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Criminal Procedure keyed to Saltzburg
Bell v. Cone
Facts
Respondent was involved in an elaborate crime-spree that led to the murder of an elderly couple in Tennessee. He attempted an insanity plea that was rejected, and he was found guilty. The sentencing phase was separate from the trial. The prosecutor demonstrated four aggravating factors. The respondent presented mitigating evidence, including mental and drug problems. His counsel pled for mercy. After the final statement from the prosecution, the defense counsel waived final statements, preventing a rebuttal. The respondent appealed, arguing that Cronic, not Strickland, controlled.
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