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Why are individuals with intellectual disabilities not allowed to be sentenced to death?(1 point)

Responses

Individuals with intellectual disabilities are only allowed to be sentenced to death for homicide.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities are only allowed to be sentenced to death for homicide.

They are not over the age of 18, so they cannot understand the severity of their crimes.
They are not over the age of 18, so they cannot understand the severity of their crimes.

Roper v. Simmons found this sentencing to be unconstitutional.
Roper v. Simmons found this sentencing to be unconstitutional.

It is considered cruel and unusual, because by the nature of their diagnosis, these individuals have a lessened ability to understand the severity of their crimes.
It is considered cruel and unusual, because by the nature of their diagnosis, these individuals have a lessened ability to understand the severity of their crimes.

All of the above responses are correct. Individuals with intellectual disabilities are not allowed to be sentenced to death for several reasons. One reason is that they are not over the age of 18, so they may not fully comprehend the severity of their crimes. Additionally, Roper v. Simmons, a Supreme Court case, found that sentencing individuals with intellectual disabilities to death is unconstitutional. Lastly, it is considered cruel and unusual punishment because individuals with intellectual disabilities have a diminished ability to understand the severity of their actions due to their diagnosis.