For example, if someone under 18 were to kill many people, would they be subject to the same punishments as adults?
2007-01-25 08:29:17 · 5 answers · asked by liz 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
No. In March 2005, the United States Supreme Court ruled (Roper v. Simmons) that the death penalty for those who had committed their crimes at under 18 years of age was cruel and unusual punishment and hence barred by the Constitution. Prior to that decision, in the modern era, 22 people were executed for crimes committed when they were less than 18 years old.
Here is an excerpt from the decision:
"When a juvenile offender commits a heinous crime, the State can exact forfeiture of some of the most basic liberties, but the State cannot extinguish his life and his potential to attain a mature understanding of his own humanity."
2007-01-25 08:50:57 · answer #1 · answered by Susan S 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Susan S is exactly right. Minors cannot receive the death penalty. Federal law prohibits that punishment. They can, of course, be tried as adults--and very often are--and their punishment can be life in prison without parole.
2007-01-25 16:26:17 · answer #2 · answered by pvpd73127 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, a teenager can be tried as an adult, and if the crime is heinous enough, yes, he can get death penalty. Laws regarding this vary from state to state.
2007-01-25 08:38:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, minor have been tried as adults, and have received sentences comparable to adult sentences.
2007-01-25 10:27:21 · answer #4 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some states, maybe. But they probably won't be executed.
2007-01-25 08:39:56 · answer #5 · answered by Sain 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋