Table of ContentsIntroductionBackground of the CaseSupreme Court DecisionImplications and CriticismsConclusionIntroductionThe United States Supreme Court's decision in Atkins v. Virginia (2002) marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the application of capital punishment. the death penalty in American jurisprudence. This landmark case focused on the constitutionality of executing people with developmental disabilities, ultimately ruling that such executions constitute cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment. The court's decision reflects evolving standards of decency and a growing recognition of the need to protect vulnerable populations within the criminal justice system. This essay will provide a detailed summary of the case, examine the legal reasoning behind the court's decision, and discuss its broader implications for the American legal landscape. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the Original EssayCase BackgroundAtkins v. Virginia began in 1996 when Daryl Renard Atkins was convicted of kidnapping, armed robbery and capital murder. During the sentencing phase, the defense presented evidence that Atkins had an IQ of 59, classifying him as intellectually disabled. Despite this, the jury sentenced him to death. Atkins' lawyers appealed the decision, arguing that executing a developmentally disabled person violated the Eighth Amendment's ban against cruel and unusual punishment. The Virginia Supreme Court upheld the sentence, triggering an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The case presented the Court with the critical question of whether evolving standards of decency and a better understanding of intellectual disability required a reassessment of the constitutionality of executing intellectually disabled people. Supreme Court Decision In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Atkins. , overturning his death sentence. Justice John Paul Stevens authored the majority opinion, emphasizing that executing people with intellectual disabilities does not serve the penological goals of retribution and deterrence. The Court relied on the principle of “evolving standards of decency” to interpret the Eighth Amendment, noting that a growing number of states had passed laws prohibiting the execution of intellectually disabled people. The Court also cited psychological and medical research indicating that these individuals possess reduced abilities to understand and process information, communicate, engage in logical reasoning, control their impulses, and understand the consequences of their actions. Implications and Criticisms The Atkins v. with important implications for the criminal justice system and the application of the death penalty in the United States. By categorically exempting people with intellectual disabilities from the death penalty, the Court recognized the need to protect a vulnerable population from disproportionate punishment. The ruling led to greater scrutiny of death penalty cases involving allegations of intellectual disability and prompted states to develop standards and procedures for evaluating such claims. However, the decision has also been subject to criticism, particularly regarding the challenges of accurately diagnosing intellectual disabilities and the risk of inconsistent application between different jurisdictions. Critics argue.