Silkwood v. Kerr-McGee Corp.

How later courts describe this case

• rejecting contention that appellate counsel was ineffective for not attacking deficiency in felony murder instruction where there was overwhelming evidence of premeditated murder
• I.Q. of 71, troubled home life as a youth, lack of prior record of serious crime, remorse and learning difficulties in school were not sufficiently substantial to call for leniency
• at least three gunshot wounds and bludgeoning prior to causing death by drowning
• judge properly answered question concerning definition of “weapon” by reading information to the jury and sending them the jury instructions