1. American Government
Chapter 20
Section 4

2. Rights of the Accused Punishment 8th Amendment
Excessive Bails and Fines
Cruel and Unusual Punishment

3. Punishment Capital Punishment State Sanctioned Death
How can we kill people?
Hanging? – Yes, in few states
Firing Squad? –Yes, in few states
Stone? - NO
Gas Chamber? - NO
Lethal Injection? – Yes, in almost all states
Electrocution? – NO

4. Capital Punishment Cases
Gregg v Georgia, 1976
Thompson v Oklahoma, 1988
Wilkins v Missouri, 1989

5. Gregg v Georgia, 1976
Upholds the constitutionality of state sanctioned killing, with due process
Allows capital punishment nationwide
Texas and Delaware lead nation in executions

6. Thompson v Oklahoma, 1988
Juvenile vs Adult punishments for capital crimes
Gives gangs the nation over a reason to use members under 16 to commit capital crimes
Children under age 7 can not form intent (criminal responsibility)

7. Wilkins v Missouri, 1989
Sets age 16 as the lowest limit for capital punishment
Aligns with MD laws allowing 16 –year olds ability to drop out