Jerry is an inmate on death-row. He has been there for 15 years. He was sentenced to death row when he was 19 years old. At first he had a difficult time adjusting to death row but now he has come to accept his fate. He was just notified that his death warrant was signed by the governor. He will be moved to his death watch cell later that evening.
-Jerry was 19 when he was sentenced to die. His lawyers made the argument that he was too young to be sentenced to die. Which case decided that individuals who are 18 and older can be sentenced to die?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Roper v. Simmons (2005) decided that individuals who were under the age of 18 at the time of their crime cannot be sentenced to death. However, Atkins v. Virginia (2002) established that individuals with intellectual disabilities cannot be sentenced to death, Thompson v. Oklahoma (1988) decided that individuals under 16 at the time of their crime cannot be sentenced to death, and Witherspoon v. Illinois (1968) dealt specifically with the selection of jurors in death penalty cases.

Jerry Is an Inmate on Death-Row