In the case of Atkins v.Virginia the Supreme Court ruled that is was unconstitutional to execute a mentally retarded person.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Atkins v. Virginia in 2002 that it was unconstitutional to execute a mentally retarded person, citing the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on "cruel and unusual punishment." This decision was based on the understanding that individuals with mental retardation are less culpable for their actions and less able to understand the consequences of their behavior, and therefore should not be subject to the death penalty.

In the Case of Atkins V