Capital Punishment: Selected Opinions of Justice O'Connor

RS22224 -- Capital Punishment: Selected Opinions of Justice O'Connor

August 17, 2005

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.