Source: The Abolitionist s Dilemma Establishing the Standards of Decency

1) As we have seen in previous videos, in the 1700 & 1800's, Capital Punishment was used for many crimes. In the last 50 years, the U.S. Supreme Court has utilized evolving standards of decency to exclude certain groups from punishment by execution. Please discuss two groups that are now excluded from execution.

2) The author stated, "Gregg thus seems to state three ways of measuring the meaning of the Eighth Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment." What were the three ways the author referred to?

3) When considering the "evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of maturing society", what do you think would have to happen in our country for the Supreme Court to decide that the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment for anyone for any crime?