Furman v. Georgia Case

Jul 29, 2024

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Furman v. Georgia Case Study

Background

Three black men were sentenced to death for serious crimes (rape and murder). The United States Supreme Court consolidated their cases into the Furman v. Georgia case to assess the constitutionality of the death penalty.

Defendants

  1. Jackson (21 years old)

    • Crime: Broke into a home, armed with scissors, and ordered a woman to give him money.
    • Actions: Fought with the woman and raped her.

  2. Furman (26 years old)

    • Background: Had mental issues and only a sixth-grade education.
    • Crime: Tried to enter a family's home late at night.
    • Actions: Shot through a closed door, killing someone inside.

  3. Branch

    • Background: Very low IQ and little schooling.
    • Crime: Broke into a widow's home while she was sleeping.
    • Actions: Raped the widow, tried to rob her, and threatened to kill her if she reported the crime.

Legal Proceedings

  • All three men were tried, convicted, and sentenced to death.
  • After losing state appeals, they petitioned for a review in the United States Supreme Court.