The U.S. Supreme Court requires lawyers to conduct an investigation into possible mitigating circumstances in which cases?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The U.S. Supreme Court requires lawyers to conduct an investigation into possible mitigating circumstances in capital cases, which involve a potential death sentence. Mitigating circumstances refer to factors that may reduce the defendant's level of culpability or moral blame, such as evidence of mental illness, abuse, or addiction. The Court has held that a failure to investigate and present such evidence to the jury can constitute ineffective assistance of counsel and violate the defendant's constitutional rights.

The US Supreme Court Requires Lawyers to Conduct an Investigation into into Possible