Comparison Of Tom Robinson's And Stinney

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Lastly, the outcomes of both Robinson’s and Stinney’s convictions would be very different in a modern day courtroom due to the cruel and unusual punishment clause of the 14th Amendment. In 2005 the Supreme Court ruled that it was cruel and unusual punishment to execute someone convicted of murder that was under the age of eighteen (Juveniles and the death penalty). Although inmates do not have the same constitutional rights as free citizens, this same clause would have applied to Tom Robinson and his rights while in jail (Prisoner Rights). While modern day laws allow the shooting of a fleeing unarmed inmate, there are many stipulations to this law. Today’s officers would have to prove that there was an immediate threat to do so. Tom Robinson,

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