What impact did the Roper v. Simmons ruling have on juvenile delinquents?
What will be an ideal response?
In the case of Roper v. Simmons (2005), the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a 1989 precedent and struck down the death penalty for crimes committed by people under the age of 18 years. The Court held that “evolving standards of decency” govern the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. The decision noted that there is a scientific consensus that teenagers have “an underdeveloped sense of responsibility,” therefore, it is unreasonable to classify them among the most culpable offenders (Bradley, 2006). This was despite the fact that the crime involved in this case was heinous and barbaric in nature. The court ruling drastically affected the juvenile justice system because many juvenile offenders who were sentenced to death had their punishment reversed to life without parole or life. The ruling returned to the idea of treating juvenile offenders different from adults.
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"Drunken" behavior, lack of coordination, drowsiness, disorientation, and thick, slurred
speech, are typical indicators of the use of: a. Hallucinogens b. Dissociative anesthetics c. Cannabis d. CNS depressants
An indictment is the formal charging document issued by a ________ jury in felony cases
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Explain the process judges must undergo in order to depart from the sentencing guidelines.
What will be an ideal response?
The responsibility of the defense attorney is to the client
a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false