HB163

Kentucky HB163 amends the law to specify aggravating and mitigating circumstances for capital offenses.

Kentucky HB163 amends the law to detail specific aggravating and mitigating circumstances for capital offenses. Aggravating circumstances include committing a crime while under extreme mental or emotional disturbance, the victim being a participant in the defendant's criminal conduct, and the defendant acting under duress. Mitigating circumstances include the defendant's youth at the time of the crime and the absence of significant prior offenses. The bill also outlines procedures for presentence hearings and jury instructions in capital cases.