State v. Rogers

In order to determine whether appellant’s death sentence should be affirmed, this court is required to do three things. First, we must answer the specific issues raised by appellant regarding the proceedings below. Second, we must independently weigh the aggravating circumstances in this case against any factors which mitigate against imposition of the death penalty. Finally, we must independently consider whether appellant’s sentence is disproportionate to the penalty imposed in similar cases.

*176I

Appellant first attacks the constitutionality of Ohio’s framework for imposition of capital…