By requiring that an execution be relatively painless, we necessarily protect the inmate from enduring any punishment that is comparable to the suffering inflicted on his victim. This trend, while appropriate and required by the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel… — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
I think this country would be much better off if we did not have capital punishment.... We cannot ignore the fact that in recent years a disturbing number of inmates on death row have been exonerated. — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
When the commission finds that a pig has entered the parlor, the exercise of its regulatory power does not depend on proof that the… — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
The practice of executing such offenders is a relic of the past and is inconsistent with evolving standards of decency in a civilized society. — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
As a matter of constitutional tradition, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, we presume that governmental regulation of the content of speech… — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
I announced my dissent in the Citizens United orally, and I stumbled in my announcement. I had a little difficulty expressing myself. And that… — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
Public officials, including state legislators, have a duty to act impartially. — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
District of Columbia v. Heller, which recognized an individual right to possess a firearm under the Constitution, is unquestionably the most clearly incorrect decision… — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
After all, a district judge who gives harsh sentences to Yankees fans and lenient sentences to Red Sox fans would not be acting reasonably… — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
All I can say is I did the best I could, and I didn't do well enough on many occasions. — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
It almost seems I was writing two separate books, the first one about the time before I went on the court and the second… — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
One thing, however, is certain. Although we may never know with complete certainty the identity of the winner of this year's presidential election, the… — John Paul Stevens Copy Share Image
