Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals - Published Opinions

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Kimbrough: Strategic decision not ineffective assistance

In Kimbrough v. Secretary, DOC, No. 08-11421 (April 13, 2009), the Court affirmed the denial of habeas relief to a Florida inmate sentenced to death in 1994.
The Court rejected the argument that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to present mental health mitigating evidence at the sentencing phase. The Court noted trial counsel’s strategic decision not to present such evidence because it would have opened the door to admission to the admission of more damaging information.