What's happened
The Supreme Court is hearing an Alabama case on how IQ scores are used to determine intellectual disability in death penalty cases. The case involves Joseph Smith, whose IQ scores range from 72 to 78, challenging the state's criteria for execution bans for the intellectually disabled. The ruling could impact future capital punishment laws.
What's behind the headline?
The case highlights the evolving legal standards for assessing intellectual disability in capital cases. The Supreme Court's previous rulings have acknowledged the limitations of IQ tests, emphasizing the importance of holistic evaluations. Alabama's strict IQ cutoff and the state's argument that multiple scores above 70 do not meet the threshold reflect a conservative approach that may overlook nuanced evidence of disability. The support from the Trump administration and 20 states underscores a broader debate about the scope of protections for disabled defendants. This case will likely set a precedent on whether states can rely solely on IQ scores or must incorporate comprehensive assessments, impacting the future of death penalty eligibility for individuals with borderline intellectual functioning.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Alabama's appeal challenges the holistic approach used by lower courts, emphasizing multiple IQ scores above 70. The New York Times notes the changing composition of the Supreme Court and its influence on death penalty cases, highlighting the significance of this case in the context of recent rulings. AP News emphasizes the legal debate over IQ score thresholds and the potential implications for capital punishment laws nationwide. All sources agree that the case could redefine how mental capacity is evaluated in death penalty cases, with a focus on the legal and ethical considerations surrounding intellectual disability and justice.
How we got here
This case follows the 2002 Supreme Court ruling in Atkins v. Virginia, which prohibited executing individuals with intellectual disabilities. Alabama's law defines intellectual disability as an IQ of 70 or below, with additional criteria. Smith's case raises questions about how borderline IQ scores and holistic assessments are considered in death penalty cases, especially as the Supreme Court has emphasized considering broader evidence since 2014 and 2017 rulings.
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Common question
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What is the Supreme Court reviewing about IQ and the death penalty?
The US Supreme Court is currently examining a case that could reshape how mental disability is considered in death penalty cases. At the heart of the debate are IQ scores and their role in determining whether someone qualifies for execution under the law. This case raises important questions about the reliability of IQ testing, legal standards for mental disability, and the future of capital punishment in the US. Below, we explore the key questions and what this case might mean for justice and legal standards.
More on these topics
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The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States of America. It has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases that involve a point of federal law, and original jurisdict
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Alabama is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west.