Mississippi § 99-17-20 - Capital murder or other crimes punishable by death.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 99-17-20 — Capital murder or other crimes punishable by death., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 99-17-20. Capital murder or other crimes punishable by death.
No person shall be tried for capital murder, or any other crime punishable by death as provided by law, unless such offense was specifically cited in the indictment returned against the accused by setting forth the section and subsection number of the Code defining the offense alleged to have been committed by the accused. The judge, in cases where the offense cited in the indictment is punishable by death, may grant an instruction for the state or the defendant which instructs the jury as to their discretion to convict the accused of the commission of an offense not specifically set forth in the indictment returned against the accused. Any conviction of the accused for an offense punishable by death shall not be valid unless the offense for which the accused is convicted shall have been set forth in the indictment by section and subsection number of the Code which defined the offense allegedly committed by the accused.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 99-17-20
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 99-17-20 cover?
Section 99-17-20 ("Capital murder or other crimes punishable by death.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 99-17-20?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 99-17-20" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 99-17-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.