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Beck v. Commonwealth

Virginia Supreme Court

484 S.E.2d 898 (1997)

Facts

The Commonwealth of Virginia (plaintiff) charged Christopher Beck (defendant) with capital murder and other offenses. Beck was convicted. At sentencing, the trial court admitted impact evidence from the victim’s family members, coworkers, and friends. On appeal, Beck argued that the admission of impact evidence from persons other than those related to the victim was constitutionally barred, and even if constitutionally permissible, the admission of impact evidence from the victim’s coworkers and friends was improper under the Virginia Code (Code).

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Koontz, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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