State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Respondent v. Richard Biegenwald, Defendant-Appellant

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the murder conviction of Richard Biegenwald but reversed his death sentence, holding that the trial court failed to properly instruct the jury on the statutory requirement that the State prove beyond a reasonable doubt that aggravating factors outweigh mitigating factors. The Court also held that the death‑penalty statute is constitutional, that the trial court did not err in denying a change of venue, in its voir‑dire procedures, or in refusing a jury‑waiver for sentencing.