California Correctional Lieutenant Practice Exam

According to the ruling in Roper v. Simmons (2005), what is the status of sentencing juveniles to the death penalty?

1. Juveniles can be sentenced to death with a jury’s approval

2. Juveniles cannot be sentenced to death under any circumstances

3. Juveniles may receive life sentences without parole instead

4. Juveniles can be tried as adults for serious crimes

The correct answer is: Juveniles cannot be sentenced to death under any circumstances

The ruling in Roper v. Simmons (2005) holds that the execution of individuals for crimes committed while they were juveniles is unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. The U.S. Supreme Court determined that juveniles lack the maturity and sense of responsibility of adults and are therefore less culpable for their actions. This landmark decision established that sentencing juveniles to death is categorically prohibited, thus making the status of such sentencing clear: it cannot occur under any circumstances. This ruling reinforces the idea that society recognizes the developmental differences between juveniles and adults, leading to the conclusion that the death penalty is an inappropriate punishment for those who were under 18 at the time of their offense. The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of the Roper decision in regard to juvenile sentencing.