Requiring that an execution be relatively painless...actually undermines the very premise on which public approval of the retribution rationale is based.
John Paul StevensIn the national debate about a serious issue, it is the expression of the minority's viewpoint that most demands the protection of the First Amendment. Whatever the better policy may be, a full and frank discussion of the costs and benefits of the attempt to prohibit the use of marijuana is far wiser than suppression of speech because it is unpopular.
John Paul StevensA democracy cannot function effectively when its constituent members believe laws are being bought and sold.
John Paul StevensEven in high school, a rule that permits only one point of view to be expressed is less likely to produce correct answers than the open discussion of countervailing views.
John Paul Stevens