Why are individuals with intellectual disabilities not allowed to be sentenced to death?(1 point)
Responses
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.
Roper v. Simmons found this sentencing to be unconstitutional.
Roper v. Simmons found this sentencing to be unconstitutional.
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.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities are only allowed to be sentenced to death for homicide
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. Roper v. Simmons found this sentencing to be unconstitutional.
and only in certain circumstances. The reason for this is that sentencing individuals with intellectual disabilities to death is considered cruel and unusual punishment, which is protected against by the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Understanding why this is considered cruel and unusual requires an understanding of intellectual disabilities. Intellectual disabilities are characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning (such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving) and adaptive behavior (such as communication, self-care, and social skills). People with intellectual disabilities often have difficulty understanding complex concepts, have impaired judgment, and struggle to grasp the consequences of their actions.
The Supreme Court case Roper v. Simmons in 2005 established precedent that individuals who are under the age of 18 at the time of their crime cannot be sentenced to death, as it is considered cruel and unusual punishment. This is because minors are deemed less culpable and less able to understand the consequences of their actions, due to their less mature brains and still-developing decision-making capacities.
Similarly, individuals with intellectual disabilities are also seen as less culpable and less able to fully comprehend the severity of their crimes. As a result, sentencing them to death is considered unconstitutional because it violates the principle of proportionality - the punishment should fit the crime. Given their diminished capacity for understanding, it is believed that individuals with intellectual disabilities should not be held to the same level of responsibility as those without such disabilities. This recognition reflects a moral and legal understanding of the need to treat people with disabilities in a fair and just manner.
It is important to note that, while individuals with intellectual disabilities are generally not eligible for the death penalty, there are exceptions for cases involving homicide. However, even in these instances, there are specific procedures and guidelines that must be followed to ensure that the individual's intellectual disability is taken into account during sentencing.