Question

In Furman v. Georgia (1972), the Supreme Court ruled in William Furman’s favor, saying that Georgia had

denied Furman the right to be represented by counsel.
violated Furman’s right to a quick and speedy trial.
established unclear standards for applying the death penalty.
exceeded the annual quota of death penalties it could impose.

Answer 1

In Furman v. Georgia (1972), the Supreme Court ruled in William Furman's favor primarily on the grounds that Georgia had established unclear standards for applying the death penalty. The Court found that the arbitrary and inconsistent application of the death penalty was in violation of the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. This decision effectively declared the death penalty as it was enforced at that time to be unconstitutional.