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Capital Punishment: Selected Opinions of Justice O’Connor (CRS Report for Congress)

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Release Date Aug. 17, 2005
Report Number RS22224
Report Type Report
Authors Alison M. Smith, American Law Division
Source Agency Congressional Research Service
Summary:

An examination of Justice O'Connor's opinions on capital punishment reveals a case-by-case approach showing a general support for the death penalty's constitutionality. However, the opinions also reveal a careful review of the administration of the death penalty by the States. Justice O'Connor's evolving skepticism about capital punishment has played a significant role in many key decisions regarding the death penalty throughout her twenty-four years on the United States Supreme Court. This report briefly surveys selected decisions of retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor in death penalty cases, an area where her opinions have frequently determined the outcome. This report will not be updated.