NC 15A-2000. - NC 15A-2000.

§ 15A-2000. Sentence of death or life imprisonment for capital felonies; further proceedings to determine sentence. (a) Separate Proceedings on Issue of Penalty. - (1) Except as provided in G.S. 15A-2004, upon conviction or adjudication of guilt of a defendant of a capital felony in which the State has given notice of its intent to seek the death penalty, the court shall conduct a separate sentencing proceeding to determine whether the defendant should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment. A capital felony is one that may be punishable by death. (2) The proceeding shall be conducted by the trial judge before the trial jury as soon as practicable after the guilty verdict is returned. If prior to the time that the trial jury begins its deliberations on the issue of penalty, any juror d...