This bill amends section 3593 of title 18, United States Code, concerning sentencing procedures for crimes punishable by death. It establishes a new requirement that if a jury fails to reach a unanimous recommendation for a sentence—whether death, life imprisonment, or a lesser sentence—the court must, upon motion by the government, order a new special hearing and impanel a new jury . Furthermore, the bill specifies that if this newly impaneled jury also does not reach a unanimous recommendation regarding the sentence, the court is then mandated to impose a sentence other than death that is authorized by law. This legislative change aims to provide a clear procedural path when juries are unable to agree on a capital sentence.
Criminal procedure and sentencingJudicial procedure and administration
Eric’s Law
USA119th CongressHR-1556| House
| Updated: 2/25/2025
This bill amends section 3593 of title 18, United States Code, concerning sentencing procedures for crimes punishable by death. It establishes a new requirement that if a jury fails to reach a unanimous recommendation for a sentence—whether death, life imprisonment, or a lesser sentence—the court must, upon motion by the government, order a new special hearing and impanel a new jury . Furthermore, the bill specifies that if this newly impaneled jury also does not reach a unanimous recommendation regarding the sentence, the court is then mandated to impose a sentence other than death that is authorized by law. This legislative change aims to provide a clear procedural path when juries are unable to agree on a capital sentence.