Constitutional Law - The Remains of the Death Penalty: Furman v. Georgia

U.S. 238 (1972); together with Jackson v. Georgia, 225 Ga.790, 171 S.E.2d 501 (1969); Branch v. Texas, 447 S.W.2d 932 (Tex.Ct.Crim.App.1969).2. Furman, a black, was surprised by his victim while burglarizing his house.Attempting to escape, he accidentally tripped over a wire, causing his pistol to fire through the door of the house.He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death by the jury.Jackson, a black, entered his victim's home, held a pair of scissors against her neck, demanded money, and raped her.While there were no long-term traumatic effects on the victim, she was bruised and abrased in the struggle, but not hospitalized.He was convicted of rape and sentenced to death by the jury.Branch, a black, entered the home of a 65 year old white widow while she slept, and raped her, holding his arm against her throat.The record was barren of any medical or psychiatric evidence showing injury to her as a result of this attack.He was convicted of rape and sentenced to death by the jury. 19721