2016 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 21. Crimes and Punishments
§21-701.13. Death penalty - Review of sentence.

A. Whenever the death penalty is imposed, and upon the judgment becoming final in the trial court, the sentence shall be reviewed on the record by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. The court reporter of the trial court shall prepare all transcripts necessary for appeal within six (6) months of the imposition of the sentence.

The clerk of the trial court, within ten (10) days after receiving the transcript, shall transmit the entire record and transcript to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals together with a notice prepared by the clerk and a report prepared by the trial judge. The notice shall set forth the title and docket number of the case, the name of the defendant and the name and address of his attorney, a narrative statement of the judgment, the offense, and the punishment prescribed. The report shall be in the form of a standard questionnaire prepared and supplied by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.

B. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals shall consider the punishment as well as any errors enumerated by way of appeal.

C. With regard to the sentence, the court shall determine:

1. Whether the sentence of death was imposed under the influence of passion, prejudice, or any other arbitrary factor; and

2. Whether the evidence supports the jury's or judge's finding of a statutory aggravating circumstance as enumerated in Section 701.12 of this title.

D. Both the defendant and the state shall have the right to submit briefs within the time provided by the court, and to present oral argument to the court. The defendant shall have one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of receipt by the court of the record, transcript notice, and report provided for in subsection A of this section, in which to submit a brief. The state shall have sixty (60) days from the date of filing of the defendant's brief to file a reply brief. The defendant may file a reply brief within a time period established by the court, however the receipt of the reply brief, the hearing of oral arguments, and the rendering of a decision by the court all shall be concluded within one (1) year after the date of the filing of the reply brief. If the defendant or the state fails to submit their respective briefs within the period prescribed by law, the defendant or the state shall transmit a written statement of explanation to the Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals who shall have the authority to grant an extension of the time to submit briefs, based upon a showing of just cause. Failure to submit briefs in the required time may be punishable as indirect contempt of court.

E. In addition to its authority regarding correction of errors, the court, with regard to review of death sentences, shall be authorized to:

1. Affirm the sentence of death; or

2. Set the sentence aside and remand the case for resentencing by the trial court.

F. The sentence review shall be in addition to direct appeal, if taken, and the review and appeal shall be consolidated for consideration. The court shall render its decision on legal errors enumerated, the factual substantiation of the verdict, and the validity of the sentence.

G. If the court reporter of the trial court fails to complete preparation of the transcripts necessary for appeal within the six-month period required by the provisions of subsection A of this section, the court reporter shall transmit a written statement of explanation of such failure to the Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, the Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Administrative Director of the Courts. The Court of Criminal Appeals shall have the authority to grant an extension of the time for filing the transcripts, based upon a showing of just cause. Failure to complete the transcripts in the required time may be punishable as indirect contempt of court and except for just cause shown may result in revocation of the license of the court reporter.

Added by Laws 1976, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 1, § 7, eff. July 24, 1976. Amended by Laws 1985, c. 265, § 1, emerg. eff. July 16, 1985.