context: Second, the jury's role was only advisory; the judge could disregard the jury's sentencing recommendation, but had to explain his reasoning if he did.
source: The trial judge must independently reweigh the aggravating factors against the mitigating factors.
reference_original: Der Richter muss die straferschwerenden und die strafmildernden Umstände unabhängig voneinander abwägen.
reference_flipped: Die Richterin muss die straferschwerenden und die strafmildernden Umstände unabhängig voneinander abwägen.