Why are individuals with intellectual disabilities not allowed to be sentenced to death

Question

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

Answer 1

There are several reasons why individuals with intellectual disabilities are not allowed to be sentenced to death:

1. Unconstitutionality: The Supreme Court ruling in the case of Roper v. Simmons determined that it is unconstitutional to sentence individuals with intellectual disabilities to death. The court found that it violated the Eighth Amendment protection against cruel and unusual punishment.

2. Lack of capacity: People with intellectual disabilities typically have a reduced cognitive ability, which affects their understanding of the severity of their actions. Due to their condition, they may struggle to comprehend the consequences of their actions or fully participate in their own defense during the trial.

3. Age consideration: Individuals with intellectual disabilities who commit crimes are often below the age of 18, which complicates the issue further. The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Atkins v. Virginia that individuals with intellectual disabilities could not be executed because they are "categorically less culpable" due to their reduced intellectual functioning.

4. Cruel and unusual punishment: The execution of individuals with intellectual disabilities is considered cruel and unusual punishment due to their diminished capacity to understand the nature and impact of their crimes. It is recognized that their diagnosis significantly impairs their ability to fully comprehend their actions, making their execution disproportionate and inhumane.

Overall, the protection of individuals with intellectual disabilities from the death penalty is based on the recognition of their reduced capacity to understand their actions, the potential violation of constitutional rights, and the principles of fairness and humaneness.