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Pulliam v. Georgia

Citations: 428 U.S. 911; 96 S. Ct. 3225Docket: No. 75-6653

Court: Supreme Court of the United States; July 6, 1976; Federal Supreme Court; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Justice Brennan dissents, referencing his prior dissent in Gregg v. Georgia. He argues that the death penalty, as applied in the cases numbered 74-5196 through 75-6653, amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, violating the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. He advocates for granting certiorari in each case and vacating the judgments that uphold the death sentences.

Legal Issues Addressed

Cruel and Unusual Punishment under the Eighth Amendment

Application: Justice Brennan asserts that the application of the death penalty in the specified cases constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

Reasoning: He argues that the death penalty, as applied in the cases numbered 74-5196 through 75-6653, amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, violating the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.

Judicial Review and Certiorari

Application: Justice Brennan supports the granting of certiorari to review and vacate the judgments upholding the death sentences.

Reasoning: He advocates for granting certiorari in each case and vacating the judgments that uphold the death sentences.

Violation of the Fourteenth Amendment

Application: Justice Brennan claims that the death sentences in these cases infringe upon rights protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.

Reasoning: He argues that the death penalty, as applied in the cases numbered 74-5196 through 75-6653, amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, violating the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments.