Eric's Law

Summary#

The bill amends federal criminal sentencing rules for cases where a crime is punishable by death. It adds a new subsection to 18 U.S.C. 3593. If a jury does not unanimously recommend a sentence (death, life without release, or a lesser sentence), the prosecutor can ask the court to hold a new special hearing and impanel a new jury. If that new jury also fails to reach a unanimous recommendation, the court must impose a sentence other than death that is allowed by law.

What it means for you#

• If you are a defendant in a capital case: a prosecutor can ask for a second jury if the first jury does not unanimously agree on a sentence.
• If you are a prosecutor: the bill lets you move for a new special hearing and a new jury when the jury is not unanimous on sentencing.
• If you are a victim, family member, or member of the public: there may be an additional hearing and a new jury in some sentencing proceedings in death-penalty cases.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on budgetary or cost effects is included in the bill text or metadata.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information on proponents' arguments or stated reasons is included in the bill text or metadata.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' arguments or stated concerns is included in the bill text or metadata.