What case involved the application of the death penalty and its constitutionality?

The case that directly addressed the application of the death penalty and its constitutionality is Furman v. Georgia. In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court examined whether the arbitrary enforcement of the death penalty constituted cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment.

The Court ruled that the manner in which the death penalty was being applied at the time was so inconsistent and capricious that it could result in disproportionate and unfair outcomes. This decision effectively halted capital punishment in many states and prompted states to revise their death penalty statutes to ensure fairer application and due process.

Understanding the implications of Furman v. Georgia is crucial, as it set a precedent for later cases that would further refine the standards for the death penalty, emphasizing the need for objective criteria in its application. This case remains a foundational reference point in discussions about the legality and ethics of capital punishment in the United States.