History

Kieran Garza

2 March, 07:25

In 1976, the Supreme Court approved laws imposing the death penalty. The case outlined the following: In a jury trial, the jury would first determine guilt or innocence. Thereafter, if it found the defendant guilty, it would then vote separately on punishment. In conjunction, both the jury and the judge in a bench trial were to take into account mitigating, as well as aggravating circumstances. Also, the state supreme court would automatically review all death sentences to protect against excessive or disproportionate punishment. Which case brought about these reforms?