Supreme Court of the United States, 1976

Collins v. Arkansas

Collins v. Arkansas
Supreme Court of the United States · Decided October 4, 1976 · Brennan, Marshall
429 U.S. 808 (United States Reports)

Collins v. Arkansas

Dissenting Opinion

Mr. Justice Brennan,

dissenting.

For the reasons stated in my dissenting opinion in Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U. S. 153, 227 (1976), the imposition and carrying out of the death penalty in these cases constitute cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. I would therefore grant certiorari in these cases and vacate the judgments insofar as they leave undisturbed the death sentences imposed.

Opinion of the Court

Sup. Ct. Ark. Motions for leave to proceed in forma pauperis and certiorari granted. Judgments vacated insofar as they leave undisturbed the death penalty imposed, and cases remanded for further consideration in light of Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U. S. 153 (1976); Proffitt v. Florida, 428 U. S. 242 (1976); Jurek v. Texas, 428 U. S. 262 (1976); Woodson v. North Carolina, 428 U. S. 280 (1976); and Roberts v. Louisiana, 428 U. S. 325 (1976).

Dissenting Opinion

Mr. Justice Marshall,

dissenting.

Because I consider the death penalty to be a cruel and unusual punishment forbidden by the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments, see Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U. S. 153, 231 (1976) (Marshall, J., dissenting), I would grant certiorari in these cases and vacate the judgments insofar as they leave undisturbed the sentences of death.

Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.