State v. Martin

(specially concurring) — I concur in the conclusions of the majority opinion for the reasons independently considered, which are next set forth.

This case principally considers a defendant's right to plead guilty to a charge of first degree murder and the consequences of such a plea.

The petitioner, Donald Jerry Martin, asserts a right to plead guilty to first degree murder and thus, under the provisions of Washington's death .penalty act, RCW 10.94, avoid the possible imposition of the death penalty after a jury trial. Respondent State argues that the defendant in a capital case cannot plead…