Document Type
Brief
Publication Date
2-29-2016
Abstract
Amici are scholars of law and political science. Among them are academics who have analyzed data indicating the frequency with which death sentences are rendered and carried out, and have written scholarly articles on capital punishment.
In the 40 years since Furman v. Georgia, 408 U.S 238, 242 (1972), our Nation's standards of decency - the prism through which this Court evaluates the protections of the Eighth Amendment -have evolved. Death sentences and executions have drastically declined over the last 20 years, reflecting the powerful shift in public opinion against capital punishment.
As evidenced by so many states having abolished the death penalty, the infrequency of juries sentencing defendants to death, the greater infrequency of those death sentences actually being implemented and then only in a limited number of localities, and the views expressed in public opinion polls, there has been a dramatic shift in the public's attitude towards the punishment. As a result, it is clear that the death penalty has become a cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment.
Recommended Citation
Gross, Samuel R., "Tucker v. Louisiana: Motion for Leave to File and Brief of Amici Curiae Law and Political Science Scholars in Support of Petitioner" (2016). Appellate Briefs. 99.
https://repository.law.umich.edu/briefs/99
Comments
Amicus: Baumgartner, Professor Frank R.; Berry, Professor William W. III; Buch, Professor Vanessa; Cover, Professor Aliza; Donahue, Professor John J. III; Fagan, Professor Jeffrey A.; Garrett, Professor Brandon L.; Green, Bruce; Gross, Professor Samuel R.; Grosso, Professor Catherine M.; Hoeffel, Professor Janet C.; Hughes, Professor Emily; Kovarsky, Professor Lee; Kreag, Professor Jason; Levinson, Professor Justin D.; McMurtrie, Professor Jacqueline; Quinn, Professor Mae C.; Robinson, Professor Zoe; Singer, Professor Stephen; Steiker, Jordan M.