Permits the death penalty for first-degree murder of minors 16 years or younger in West Virginia.

West Virginia SB1068 amends the state code to permit the death penalty for first-degree murder of minors 16 years or younger. The bill outlines procedures for sentencing hearings, including jury trials and nonjury trials. Aggravating circumstances must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and the jury must unanimously agree on the sentence. If the jury cannot agree, the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment. The bill also repeals the previous abolition of capital punishment.

Permits the death penalty for first-degree murder of minors 16 years or younger in West Virginia.

West Virginia SB1068 amends the state code to permit the death penalty for first-degree murder of minors 16 years or younger. The bill outlines procedures for sentencing hearings, including jury trials and nonjury trials. Aggravating circumstances must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt, and the jury must unanimously agree on the sentence. If the jury cannot agree, the defendant is sentenced to life imprisonment. The bill also repeals the previous abolition of capital punishment.