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| Number of Convictions Overturned | ||
| 8 | (14%) | were unanimous votes |
| 2 | (3.5%) | were 6-1 or 5-1 votes |
| 8 | (14%) | were 5-2 or 4-2 votes |
| 2 |
(3.5%) |
were 4-3 votes |
| 20 | (35%) | were overturned |
| Number of Convictions Affirmed | ||
| 31 | (55%) | were unanimous votes |
| 3 | (5%) | were 6-1 or 5-1 votes |
| 3 | (5%) | were 5-2 or 4-2 votes |
| 0 |
(0%) |
were 4-3 votes |
| 37 | (65%) | were affirmed |
On the Special Circumstances Phase
of the 37 Death Penalty Convictions Affirmed
| Number of Convictions Overturned | ||
| 4 | (11%) | were unanimous votes |
| 6 | (16%) | were 6-1 or 5-1 votes |
| 6 | (16%) | were 5-2 or 4-2 votes |
| 3 |
(8%) |
were 4-3 votes |
| 19 | (51%) | were overturned |
| Number of Convictions Affirmed | ||
| 14 | (38%) | were unanimous votes |
| 1 | (3%) | were 6-1 or 5-1 votes |
| 2 | (5%) | were 5-2 or 4-2 votes |
| 1 |
(3%) |
were 4-3 votes |
| 18 | (49%) | were affirmed |
On the Penalty Phase of the 191 Death Penalty Cases
in which the Conviction
and Special Circumstances
Were Affirmed
| Number of Penalties Overturned | ||
| 2 | (10.5%) | were unanimous votes |
| 8 | (42%) | were 6-1 or 5-1 votes |
| 4 | (21%) | were 5-2 or 4-2 votes |
| 2 |
(10.5%) |
were 4-3 votes |
| 16 | (84%) | were overturned |
| Number of Penalties Overturned | ||
| 0 | (0%) | were unanimous votes |
| 0 | (0%) | were 6-1 or 5-1 votes |
| 2 | (10.5%) | were 5-2 or 4-2 votes |
| 1 |
(5.5%) |
were 4-3 votes |
| 3 | (16%) | were affirmed |
AMA Commentary
These charts compare the level of agreement in the court's voting record on each of the three phases of the death penalty cases reviewed on automatic appeal by the California Supreme Court since 1979.
1 Includes one case in which the conviction and special circumstances were previously affirmed.
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