The practice of executing such offenders is a relic of the past and is inconsistent with evolving standards of decency in a civilized society.

S. Commerce clause and states' rights
When interpreting the interstate commerce clause Stevens consistently sided with the federal government. Stevens is widely considered to have been on the liberal side of the Court.

Stevens served with three Chief Justices (Warren E. Burger William Rehnquist and John G. John Paul Stevens (born April 20 1920) served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from December 19 1975 until his retirement on June 29 2010.