Why are individuals with intellectual disabilities not allowed to be sntenced to death
There are several reasons why individuals with intellectual disabilities are not allowed to be sentenced to death:
1. Constitutional protection: In many countries, including the United States, executing individuals with intellectual disabilities is considered a violation of the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The reasoning is that their reduced mental capacity makes them less culpable for their actions.
2. Moral and ethical considerations: Society generally recognizes that individuals with intellectual disabilities have limited cognitive abilities, impaired judgment, and difficulty understanding the consequences of their actions. As a result, there is a moral and ethical obligation to treat them differently in the criminal justice system and not impose the harshest penalty of death.
3. International guidelines: International organizations such as the United Nations have established guidelines that discourage the execution of persons with intellectual disabilities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and various declarations emphasize the importance of protecting people with disabilities from discrimination and ensuring their equal access to justice.
4. Risk of wrongful conviction: Intellectual disabilities may impair an individual's ability to effectively participate in their own defense, understand legal processes, or communicate with their attorneys. This increases the risk of wrongful conviction, as they may not comprehend the charges against them or provide an accurate account of events.
5. Evolving understanding of intellectual disabilities: Over time, there has been a better understanding of intellectual disabilities and how they affect a person's cognition, reasoning, and decision-making abilities. This understanding has contributed to the recognition that executing individuals with intellectual disabilities would not align with a fair and just criminal justice system.
It's important to note that laws regarding intellectual disabilities and the death penalty vary by country and jurisdiction. While some countries have completely prohibited executing individuals with intellectual disabilities, others might have different standards or assessments to determine eligibility for the death penalty.