Does the term "substantial" in the definition of an aggravating circumstance in a murder case apply to determine whether the accused has a history of serious assaultive criminal convictions?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Breaux, 1 Cal.4th 281, 3 Cal.Rptr.2d 81, 821 P.2d 585 (Cal. 1991):

14 In support of his contention that the term "substantial" is unconstitutionally vague, defendant cites a Georgia capital case in which the word "substantial" was used as part of an aggravating circumstance, i.e., whether the murder is committed by a person who has a "substantial history of serious assaultive criminal convictions." The Georgia court found the word "highly subjective" and the aggravating circumstance unconstitutionally vague. (Arnold v. State (1976) 236 Ga. 534, 224 S.E.2d 386.) The differences between the Georgia case and this case are obvious.

Other Questions


In a motor vehicle accident case, in what circumstances will a jury consider whether there is an aggravating or mitigating circumstance in determining which of the two most serious penalties apply? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a witness has a criminal conviction for a previous criminal conviction that was impeaching the same criminal offence? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant has a criminal history of a prior criminal conviction? (California, United States of America)
Does the fact that a greater number of aggravating than mitigating circumstances may be established in aggravating circumstances determine whether a lower term is justified? (California, United States of America)
Does section 669 of the California Criminal Code apply to determine whether a determinate or determinate sentence should run concurrently with an indeterminate sentence? (California, United States of America)
What is the range of life sentences for a convicted violent criminal who was convicted of assault with intent to murder, assault, and possession of a firearm under the Mental Health Act? (California, United States of America)
What is the range of sentences for a man convicted of a serious-felony assault, assault and assault committed under section 654 of the California Criminal Code? (California, United States of America)
In what circumstances will a jury be able to determine whether a defendant has been convicted of a criminal offence under section 969b of the Criminal Code? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining whether a defendant has been convicted of a prior criminal offence and therefore must proceed further to determine the conduct underlying the conviction? (California, United States of America)
Can the felony-murder rule be applied to a charge of assault and murder in a case where appellant entered the home with intent to commit assault or murder? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.