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Louie L. Wainwright v. David Wayne Greenfield
United States Supreme Court
474 U.S. 284 (1986)
Facts
David Wayne Greenfield (plaintiff) was arrested for sexual battery after assaulting a female victim on the beach. The victim immediately reported the crime, and Greenfield was arrested by police on the beach two hours later. Greenfield received Miranda warnings by two officers on at least three occasions, and Greenfield thanked the officers, indicated that he understood his rights, was exercising his right to remain silent, and wanted to speak to an attorney. Greenfield pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and presented two expert witnesses that testified that Greenfield was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and did not know right from wrong at the time of the crime. The prosecution presented another expert who expressed the opposite opinion. In addition, the prosecutor relied on the testimony of the officers discussing Greenfield’s post-Miranda behavior and argued that Greenfield’s refusal to answer questions without an attorney was inconsistent with a claim of insanity. Greenfield was convicted by a jury and sentenced to death. Greenfield filed a habeas petition against Louie L. Wainwright (defendant) that was denied by the district court. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and found that Greenfield was entitled to a new trial under Doyle v. Ohio. The United States Supreme Court granted review to decide a circuit split.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Stevens, J.)
Concurrence (Rehnquist, J.)
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