Criminal Justice Case Study

Furman vs Georgia Case 1

Furman v. Georgia

CJS/221

Johnny Cotton

May 30, 2016

Furman vs Georgia Case 2

Introduction

Capital punishment has been a source of debate since its inception; the public continues to dispute this highly controversial issue. A struggle exists between Americans who are fighting for a safe and secure society and those individuals who want to abolish the death penalty. Capital punishment may be a controversial subject; however, it is a critical issue that must be addressed in today's violent society. Many people cannot decide if the death penalty provides the necessary punishment and deterrent effect that is needed for criminals but, capital punishment is an aspect of criminal sentencing that needs to be evaluated.

The United States Supreme Court judgment in Furman vs. Georgia in 1972 came to the decision that the death penalty was a violation of the eight amendment because of the inconsistent manner by which it was carried out. However, in the 1970s, 34 states across the nation ratified new legislation on capital punishment that met the standards set by the Supreme Court. The most significant change in the history of death...