FACTS
Gathers was convicted of murder and first-degree criminal sexual conduct and was sentenced to death. In addition, the prosecutor engaged in improper argument during sentencing phase.
He was convicted in the Superior Court (the trial court), and he appealed to General Sessions Court, Charleston County. His conviction was affirmed, and he appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
ISSUES(S)
1. Whether or not the victim impact statements are not allowed.
RULE(S) OF LAW
The 6th Amendment guarantees a defendant in a criminal case the right to trial.
ANALYSIS
The prosecutor's “extensive comments to the jury regarding the victim's character were unnecessary to an understanding of the circumstances of the crime.”