Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The death penalty was reinstated in Gregg v. Georgia due to changes in circumstances. Here's an explanation of how the circumstances had changed:
1. Prior to the Gregg v. Georgia case, there was a nationwide moratorium on the death penalty. This means that executions were temporarily suspended across the United States.
2. In the years leading up to the case, there was a growing concern about the fairness and reliability of the death penalty system. Many argued that it was arbitrary, discriminatory, and often resulted in the execution of innocent individuals.
3. The circumstances changed because the Supreme Court, in Gregg v. Georgia, reviewed the constitutionality of the death penalty. They took into account the concerns raised about its fairness and reliability.
4. In their ruling, the Supreme Court concluded that the death penalty could be constitutional if certain conditions were met. These conditions included narrowing the scope of eligible offenses and providing for a fair and consistent application of the penalty.
5. The court determined that if these conditions were met, the death penalty would not be considered cruel and unusual punishment, which is prohibited by the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
6. As a result of this ruling, individual states were given the opportunity to reinstate the death penalty if they revised their laws to comply with the conditions set forth by the Supreme Court.
7. Many states subsequently enacted new legislation to the requirements outlined in Gregg v. Georgia, and the death penalty was reinstated in those states.
In summary, the death penalty was reinstated in Gregg v. Georgia because the Supreme Court ruled that, under certain conditions, it could be considered constitutional. This ruling led to changes in state laws, allowing for the reintroduction of the death penalty.