Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that clarifies the sentencing instructions given to jurors in capital punishment cases, which by doing so, addresses the concerns in the court ruling that declared the death penalty in New York unconstitutional and effectively lifts the existing moratorium on imposing a death sentence.

Highlights:

- Establishes that jurors for first-degree murder cases where the defendant is found guilty shall unanimously impose a sentence of a minimum of 20 to 25 years in prison, of life in prison without parole, or of the death penalty (Sec. 2). - Clarifies that jurors will be told that in cases when they are unable to unanimously agree on any of these three sentencing options, the defendant will be sentenced to life in prison without parole (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text