State v. Smith
North Carolina Supreme Court
607 S.E.2d 607 (2005)
- Written by Paul Neel, JD
Facts
Reche Smith (defendant) killed Charles King, stole property from King’s house, and then drove to another town and bought cocaine. The state (plaintiff) charged Smith with first-degree murder and felony larceny. During voir dire, defense counsel asked one juror whether evidence of drug use would impair his ability to be impartial. The juror replied that it would. Defense counsel challenged the juror for cause. The trial judge asked the juror whether evidence of drug use would impair his ability to follow the law that the judge would relate during jury instructions regardless of his personal feelings about drug use. The juror replied that he would follow the law. The judge denied the challenge for cause. Defense counsel used all peremptory challenges and renewed his challenge for cause. The judge again denied the challenge for cause. The jury convicted Smith and recommended the death penalty. The trial court imposed a death sentence. Smith appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Wainwright, J.)
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