Final Comprehensive Question Four: The Death Penalty Kathleen Kolean-Vaniliere Comprehensive Exam Kaplan University September 25, 2014 Abstract The purpose of this paper uncovers the reality that the death penalty is a topic that can be surrounded with great debate. Regardless of one’s personal belief the fact remains it is still in practice. Land mark cases have paved the way for legal standards set forth for future impositions of death sentences. Proportionality of the crime to punishment, psychological function of offenders, and interpretations of Eight Amendment rights are all key factors worth exploration when determining where the future of the death penalty lies based on societal shifts over the course of the last thirty years. …show more content…
Georgia (1976). Modes of execution were the basis of the 1972 ruling based on the unsystematic way the application of the death penalty (Kaufman-Osborn, 2008). Though the argument was never the use of the death penalty being unconstitutional but rather the proportionality, exploring modes of use and tightening the systematic measures used to impose the death penalty became the key focus for reinstatement of its …show more content…
Focusing on the parameters of what is considered cruel and unusual punishment and what is deemed as such appears to be the overall outcome of Gregg V, Georgia (1976). I agree that proportionality of the crime is important to measure when imposing a death sentences. Without having checks and balances into place leaves to much room for disproportionate sentencing and over use of such of such a harsh sanction as the death penalty. Gregg V Georgia (1976) paved the way for legislation that would mold the death penalty procedures and practices in what they are today (Fletcher, 2014). The death penalty, with the parameters set forth by the United States Supreme Court, I believe is a necessary and fair sanction if imposed