Supreme Court of Florida

Duane Eugene Owen v. State of Florida

November 5, 2020

Summary

The court affirmed the denial of Owen’s successive post-conviction motion challenging his death sentence under the Sixth Amendment. It held that the constitutional requirement was satisfied because the jury established two statutory aggravating circumstances, making Owen eligible for the death penalty. The court further concluded that a jury was not constitutionally required to weigh aggravating and mitigating circumstances or make the ultimate sentencing decision.