Which case involved capital punishment and the Equal Protection Clause?

Study for the UGA US/GA Constitution Exam with comprehensive flashcards and targeted multiple-choice questions. Each question includes helpful hints and detailed explanations to enhance learning. Prepare effectively for your test and ensure success!

The case that involved capital punishment and the Equal Protection Clause is McCleskey vs. Kemp. This landmark decision addressed the application of the death penalty in Georgia and its potential discriminatory impact on African American defendants. The case arose when Warren McCleskey was sentenced to death for killing a police officer.

McCleskey challenged his sentence by presenting statistical evidence that demonstrated racial disparities in the imposition of the death penalty in Georgia. He argued that the system was biased and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The Supreme Court, however, ruled that the statistics alone were insufficient to prove that his sentence was the result of intentional discrimination. This case is significant as it illustrated the complexities surrounding race and capital punishment in the judicial system, emphasizing the thresholds for proving discrimination under the Equal Protection Clause.

The other cases listed do not primarily focus on capital punishment and the Equal Protection Clause, making McCleskey vs. Kemp the most fitting choice in this context.

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