State v. Smith

Appellant Smith raises ten propositions of law. We have reviewed each one and have determined that none justifies reversal of Smith’s conviction for aggravated murder and the other crimes he committed. Pursuant to R.C. 2929.05(A), we have also independently reviewed the record, weighed the aggravating circumstance against the mitigating factors, and reviewed the death penalty for appropriateness and proportionality. For the reasons that follow, we affirm Smith’s convictions and death sentence.

Inquiry on Racial Bias/Effective Assistance

In his first proposition of law, Smith asserts that…