Case Name:
Payne v. Tennessee, 501 U.S. 808 (1991)
Statement of Facts:
The defendant Payne broke into his girlfriend’s neighbor’s house and tried to engage in sexual activity with her, she refused then Payne became violent. He killed Charisse, a mother of two and he killed her daughter. He also severely injured her son also by stabbing him numerous times. The cops saw him walking out the house with blood on his clothing. Throughout his sentencing he got several people to testify that he had some issues that he thought would justify his actions. He was charged with two offenses of first degree murder and an intent to murder a minor.
Issue(s):
Does the Eighth Amendment forbid victim impact statements during sentencing because it’s a form
Payne v. Tennessee, 501 U.S. 808 (1991)
Statement of Facts:
The defendant Payne broke into his girlfriend’s neighbor’s house and tried to engage in sexual activity with her, she refused then Payne became violent. He killed Charisse, a mother of two and he killed her daughter. He also severely injured her son also by stabbing him numerous times. The cops saw him walking out the house with blood on his clothing. Throughout his sentencing he got several people to testify that he had some issues that he thought would justify his actions. He was charged with two offenses of first degree murder and an intent to murder a minor.
Issue(s):
Does the Eighth Amendment forbid victim impact statements during sentencing because it’s a form