9571 - Scope of subchapter. - Pennsylvania Statutes

§ 9571. Scope of subchapter. (a) Capital unitary review.--This subchapter establishes the sole means of challenging proceedings that resulted in a sentence of death. The unitary review proceeding provided by this subchapter shall replace postappeal collateral review of death penalty cases with preappeal collateral review. (b) Appointment of collateral counsel.--Under the action provided in this subchapter, a person sentenced to death shall be immediately entitled to new counsel for purposes of collateral review. The collateral proceeding shall occur in the trial court after the imposition of sentence and before appeal. The petitioner may raise any claim that could not have been raised previously, including claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. (c) Capital appeal.--Direct appeal shall occur after the trial court has concluded collateral review. Claims raised on direct appeal shall be limited to those claims that were preserved at trial and that may be resolved on the basis of the record created up to and including sentencing. Collateral appeal shall occur simultaneously with direct appeal. Claims raised on collateral appeal shall be limited to claims that were preserved in the collateral proceeding in the trial court and to any other claim that could not have been raised previously, including claims of ineffective assistance of counsel on direct appeal. (d) Limitation on subsequent petitions.--No further review shall be available except as provided in this subchapter. (e) Capital case in which death penalty not imposed.--This subchapter does not apply to capital cases in which the death penalty was not imposed. Suspension by Court Order. Section 9571 was suspended August 11, 1997, S.Ct. Order.