The Furman Decision: A Turning Point in Capital Punishment

This chapter examines the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Furman v. Georgia that deemed the death penalty unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment, ceasing all executions in the U.S. It highlights the varied public reactions, the confusion among legal officials, and the ensuing legislative attempts to reintroduce capital punishment through new statutes. Additionally, it delves into the evolving legal standards and public opinion surrounding the death penalty, emphasizing the complexities of its application and ongoing debates about its ethical implications.