Juvenile Death Penalty

    The Supreme Court has ruled that the Constitution will not allow the execution of killers who were juveniles when their crimes were committed.  The decision will affect 19 states that previously were allowed to seek the death penalty for those under the age of 18.

    What are the implications of this decision?  Are people under the age of 18 less morally responsible for their crimes?  There are currently 73 juvenile offenders on death row, but from now on, no state can seek the death penalty for the offender if their crime was committed under the age of 18.  Will this decision impact future crime for juveniles?

    The following websites contain information on the ruling and what impact this will have on society:   

American Bar Association American Civil Liberties Union - Death Penalty
The International Justice Project Juveniles and the Death Penalty
Juvenile Death Penalty Abolished 5-4 Supreme Court Abolishes Juvenile Executions
Landmark Decision on Juvenile Executions Reshaping the Capital Justice System

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Last Updated March 2, 2005
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