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.
Roper v. Simmons found this sentencing to be unconstitutional.
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.
- It is considered a violation of their rights as they may not have the capacity to fully understand or participate in their defense during the trial process.
- The Supreme Court ruled in Atkins v. Virginia that executing individuals with intellectual disabilities violates the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.