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

Question

Responses

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.

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.

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.

Roper v. Simmons found this sentencing to be unconstitutional.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

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.

This principle is rooted in the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that executing individuals with intellectual disabilities is unconstitutional due to their diminished capacity to understand and engage in the legal process, as well as their lesser culpability in relation to criminal behavior.