Dugger v. Adams

In this case we decide whether our decision in Caldwell v. Mississippi, 472 U. S. 320 (1985), provided cause for respondent’s failure to challenge the trial court’s instructions in accordance with state procedures.

Respondent Aubrey Dennis Adams, Jr., was charged with the first-degree murder of 8-year-old Trisa Gail Thornley, and the State sought to impose the death penalty. At the start of jury selection for respondent’s trial, the trial judge *403undertook to instruct the prospective jurors on their “advisory” role under Florida law.1 The judge informed the initial panel of prospective jurors:

“Th…