History Repeats Itself: The Post-Furman Return to Arbitrariness in Capital Punishment

Authors

Lindsey S. Vann, University of Richmond School of Law

Abstract

Part I of this comment provides a brief review of Furmanandthe circumstances leading to the decision. Part II discusses thefactors indicating current arbitrariness and other recurring factors surrounding the American death penalty. Part III examines the development of the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause since Furman. Finally, Part IV discusses how the Supreme Court should apply its contemporary Eighth Amendment doctrine to the current circumstances surrounding the imposition of the death penalty.

Recommended Citation

Lindsey S. Vann, History Repeats Itself: The Post-Furman Return to Arbitrariness in Capital Punishment, 45 U. Rich. L. Rev. 1255 (2011).
Available at: https://scholarship.richmond.edu/lawreview/vol45/iss4/8