State v. Bayless

1

Stern, J.

In five separate cases, decided on July 2, 1976, the United States Supreme Court held that the death penalty was not unconstitutional per se as cruel and unusual punishment. Gregg v. Georgia (1976), - U. S. -, 49 L. Ed. 2d 859; Proffitt v. Florida (1976), - U. S. -, 49 L. Ed. 2d 913; Jurek v. Texas (1976), - U. S. —, 49 L. Ed. 2d 929; Woodson v. North Carolina (1976), - U. S. — 49 L. Ed. 2d 944; Roberts v. Louisiana (1976), - U. S. -, 49 L. Ed. 2d 974. The court upheld the imposition of the death penalty under statutes in Georgia, Florida, and Texas, while striking down death…