People v. Robinson

At the commencement of defendant’s trial for armed robbery and murder, for which offenses he was convicted, prospective jurors were questioned with regard to their views on capital punishment. Sixteen of such jurors were excused for cause because of their opposition to the death sentence. When the State elected not to seek the death penalty, defendant was sentenced to 60 years in the penitentiary for armed robbery and life imprisonment for murder. He appeals.

The issues presented by the appeal include whether: the death qualification of a jury is permissible at the guilt stage under the…