1780's   1840's   1890's     1950's 1970's 2000's
white white   white   white white white
Signing of the Constitution   Michigan
Bans DP
  Electric Chair Invented     Trop vs. Dulles Furman vs. Georgia DNA Evidence
 
1780's

“Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”

The Founders believe that even criminals convicted in court should not be given cruel and unusual punishments. The Founders do not think the death penalty is cruel and unusual.

Issue History: The Death Penalty