GUIDELINE 11.8.3 – PREPARATION FOR THE SENTENCING PHASE
A. As set out in Guideline 11.4.1, preparation for the sentencing phase, in the form of investigation, should begin immediately upon counsel’s entry into the case. Counsel should seek information to present to the sentencing entity or entities in mitigation or explanation of the offense and to rebut the prosecution’s sentencing case.
B. Counsel should discuss with the client early in the case the sentencing alternatives available, and the relationship between strategy for the sentencing phase and for the guilt/innocence phase.
C. Prior to the sentencing phase, counsel should discuss with the client the specific sentencing phase procedures of the jurisdiction and advise the client of steps being taken in preparation for sentencing. Counsel should discuss with the client the accuracy of any information known to counsel that will he presented to the sentencing entity or entities, and the strategy for meeting the prosecution’s case.
D. If the client will be interviewed by anyone other than people working with defense counsel, counsel should prepare the client for such interview(s). Counsel should discuss with the client the possible impact on the sentence and later potential proceedings (such as appeal, subsequent retrial or resentencing) of statements the client may give in the interviews.
E. Counsel should consider, and discuss with the client, the possible consequences of having the client testify or make a statement to the sentencing entity or entities.
F. In deciding which witnesses and evidence to prepare for presentation at the sentencing phase, counsel should consider the following:
1. Witnesses familiar with and evidence relating to the client's life and development, from birth to the time of sentencing, who would be favorable to the client, explicative of the offense(s) for which the client is being sentenced, or would contravene evidence presented by the prosecutor;
2. Expert witnesses to provide medical, psychological, sociological or other explanations for the offense(s) for which the client is being sentenced, to give a favorable opinion as to the client's capacity for rehabilitation, etc. and/or to rebut expert testimony presented by the prosecutor;
3. Witnesses with knowledge and opinions about the lack of effectiveness of the death penalty itself;
4. Witnesses drawn from the victim’s family or intimates who are willing to speak against killing the client.