California Correctional Lieutenant Practice Exam

What was the conclusion of the ruling in Atkins v. Virginia (2002) regarding the death penalty?

1. Allowed for execution of mentally ill individuals

2. Prohibited execution of mentally retarded individuals

3. Permitted life sentences for non-violent crimes

4. Required retrials for capital cases

The correct answer is: Prohibited execution of mentally retarded individuals

The ruling in Atkins v. Virginia (2002) concluded that executing individuals with intellectual disabilities (referred to as "mentally retarded" in the terminology used at the time) is unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court held that there is a national consensus against the execution of such individuals and that their cognitive limitations significantly impair their ability to understand the consequences of their actions, which undermines the moral justification for the death penalty. This decision reflects a recognition of evolving standards of decency in society regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations, specifically those with intellectual disabilities. This ruling does not address the execution of mentally ill individuals more broadly, the imposition of life sentences for non-violent crimes, or the need for retrials in capital cases, making the conclusion prohibiting the execution of individuals with intellectual disabilities the crucial aspect of this landmark decision.